Jayson Tatum Drops 40 and Beats Nets at the Overtime Buzzer

Jayson Tatum delivered the biggest shot of Boston’s young season Tuesday night, burying a 17-foot jumper as overtime expired to lift the Celtics past the Brooklyn Nets 125-124. Tatum finished with 40 points, eight assists and five rebounds while going 18-of-22 from the free-throw line, setting a new career high for made free throws in a game.

Brooklyn nearly stole it. Rookie Mikel Brown Jr. hit a dramatic tying three-pointer with 0.2 seconds left in regulation to force overtime, and the Nets held a 124-123 lead late in the extra period. But Brown missed a driving layup with 2.3 seconds remaining, giving Boston one final possession. Tatum took advantage, rising from the midrange and knocking down the game-winner as time expired. Paul George added 20 points for Boston, while Michael Porter Jr. led Brooklyn with 27 points and 12 rebounds.

The victory gives Boston three straight wins after its opening-night collapse against Detroit. More importantly, Tatum is already showing that he can still be the Celtics’ closer after returning from the Achilles injury that cost him the 2025-26 season. Tuesday’s 40-point night was not simply a big box score — it ended with the exact type of superstar shot Boston will need in tight games all season.