The Boston Celtics blew a 24 point lead halfway through the third quarter Sunday afternoon, and would fall to the New Orleans Pelicans 120-115 in overtime at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.
New Orleans (13-17) had an early 11-2 lead, but a Semi Ojeleye three-pointer gave Boston their first advantage of the day that they held until the fourth quarter. The Celtics led 63-47 at the half, and then by 24 halfway through the third. The Pelicans chipped away and would eventually push ahead for the first time since early on when Nicolo Melli hit a three-pointer with 3:39 left in the fourth. A step back jumper by Jayson Tatum made it 106-105 Boston with 11 seconds to go, but Zion Williamson answered with a three-point play with 6.9 seconds remaining. Tatum forced overtime with a floater through the lane with just 0.2 seconds showing on the clock. Brandon Ingram hit a three in the extra session to make it 115-112 with 34.4 seconds left. After a Kemba Walker missed three for the tie, Josh Hart hit a pair of free throws to ice it. The 24 point comeback win was the biggest in New Orleans Pelicans history.
Tatum finished with 32 points and nine rebounds in the loss for 15-15 Boston. Jaylen Brown had 25 points, six rebounds, and nine assists. Walker and Tristan Thompson had 14 points a piece, with Thompson also grabbing nine rebounds. Aaron Nesmith also got in double figures with 10 points. Ingram led New Orleans to the win with 33 points, six rebounds, and three assists while Williamson added 28 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. Boston plays at Dallas Tuesday night.
