Tatum’s 3-pointer at the buzzer in OT gives the Celtics a 126-123 victory over the Raptors

BOSTON (AP) — Jayson Tatum hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer in overtime and the Boston Celtics rallied to beat the Toronto Raptors 126-123 on Saturday night.

Tatum finished with 24 points and 11 rebounds. Jaylen Brown added 27 points. Al Horford and Derrick White scored 18 points apiece.

Toronto has lost seven straight games and failed to register its first road win of the season despite getting a career-high 35 points from Jakob Poeltl, who finished 16 of 19 from the field with 12 rebounds. RJ Barrett had his first triple-double — 25 points, 15 assists and 10 rebounds, the first Raptors player ever with all that in the same game.

Boston’s Neemias Queta, who started in place of Jrue Holiday (left knee tendinopathy), scored a driving layup on the Celtics’ next possession.

Takeaways

Tatum's 3-pointer at the buzzer in OT gives the Celtics a 126-123 victory over the Raptors | iNFOnews.ca
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots over Toronto Raptors guard Ochai Agbaji (30) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)

Raptors: The Raptors entered with Scottie Barnes (orbital fracture) and Bruce Brown (right knee) on the mend. They dodged another big injury. Bruno Fernando was helped off the court in the second quarter after landing awkwardly on a teammate’s foot while pulling down a rebound. But he was able to return.

Celtics: The Celtics improved to 11-3 and avoided losing for the third time at TD Garden this season.

Key moment

With the game tied at 123, Toronto won a coach’s challenge on an out-of-bounds call that originally was awarded to Boston. But Barrett had his driving layup attempt blocked by Queta, giving the ball back to the Celtics with 20.2 seconds remaining for what became the game’s final possession.

Key stat

Tatum's 3-pointer at the buzzer in OT gives the Celtics a 126-123 victory over the Raptors | iNFOnews.ca
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) and center Al Horford (42) attempt to stop a basket by Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (19) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)

The Raptors outscored the Celtics 76-42 in the paint. Boston gave up 68 points to Atlanta during its NBA Cup loss to the Hawks earlier this week.

Up next

The Raptors host the Indiana Pacers on Monday. The Celtics resume NBA Cup play on Tuesday against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Tatum's 3-pointer at the buzzer in OT gives the Celtics a 126-123 victory over the Raptors | iNFOnews.ca
Toronto Raptors guard Ochai Agbaji (30) drives to the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Boston Celtics, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
Tatum's 3-pointer at the buzzer in OT gives the Celtics a 126-123 victory over the Raptors | iNFOnews.ca
Toronto Raptors guard RJ Barrett (9) dunks the ball during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Boston Celtics, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
Tatum's 3-pointer at the buzzer in OT gives the Celtics a 126-123 victory over the Raptors | iNFOnews.ca
Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet (40) blocks a shot made by Toronto Raptors forward Bruno Fernando (24) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
Tatum's 3-pointer at the buzzer in OT gives the Celtics a 126-123 victory over the Raptors | iNFOnews.ca
Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla yells from the sideline during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Toronto Raptors, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)
Tatum's 3-pointer at the buzzer in OT gives the Celtics a 126-123 victory over the Raptors | iNFOnews.ca
Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic calls signals as Toronto Raptors guard Ochai Agbaji (30) walks off the court during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Mark Stockwell)

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