Tatum's 22 Free Throw Attempts and Zero Turnovers Seal Celtics Overtime Win
Boston beat the Nets 125-124 after Tatum led the league in free throw attempts and passed the ball with perfect accuracy in a back-to-back game.
By Carolina Wood ·
Jayson Tatum played 42 minutes and 19 seconds for the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night, a duration that exceeded the minutes logged by any other player on the court. His effort included 22 free throw attempts, an NBA-best total for the night, as the Celtics defeated the Brooklyn Nets 125-124 in overtime at TD Garden.
The game featured a tense finish that required an extra period to resolve. Tatum sank a mid-range jumper at the final buzzer to secure the victory. Prior to that, he delivered a pass to Derrick White for an and-1 dunk late in the fourth quarter. Although Boston managed to allow Brooklyn to force overtime, Tatum's late plays kept the Celtics in control of the outcome.
This game marked the first time this season the Celtics played on the second night of a back-to-back schedule. Tatum, who is 18 months removed from Achilles surgery, chose to play aggressively rather than limiting his workload. He logged six more minutes than the next most active Celtics player. Paul George, aged 36, also played a heavy load with 36 minutes on the floor.
Ball security remained a focus for Tatum. He recorded 56 total passes and committed zero turnovers during his time on the court. Boston has struggled with handling the ball early in the season, but Tatum's eight assists led to 17 points for his teammates. His touches were involved in 45.6 percent of Boston's 125 total points.
Over the first four games of the season, Tatum has created 83 assist points, tying him for fifth in the NBA. Only Trae Young, Tyrese Haliburton, Jalen Johnson, and Luka Doncic have generated more scoring opportunities for teammates. He is also tied for fifth in total assists with 32, matching Cade Cunningham.
Tatum's passing style shifted away from perimeter shots. Seven of his eight assists on Tuesday led to two-point baskets. One notable play involved a pass through traffic to White, who finished a layup before Noah Clowney fouled him. Tatum connected on 18 of his 22 free throw attempts, adding a reliable scoring element to his performance.
The Celtics rely on Tatum to draw defensive attention, which opens up shooting lanes for others. The team's success in converting those opportunities will be a key factor in their upcoming schedule. For now, the overtime victory stands as a testament to Tatum's dual role as a scorer and a playmaker.
