Tatum scores 40, hits overtime buzzer-beater as Celtics edge Nets 125-124

As of 8:25 a.m. ET, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026

Jayson Tatum buried a 17-foot jumper at the overtime buzzer to cap a 40-point night, and the Boston Celtics beat the Brooklyn Nets 125-124 on Tuesday night at TD Garden, according to the NBA's game page and the Associated Press.

Tatum went 10 of 20 from the field and 18 of 22 from the free-throw line. Paul George added 20 points and Derrick White scored 16 for Boston, which has won three straight since blowing a 22-point lead in its season opener at Detroit, AP reported.

How it ended

Nets rookie Mikel Brown Jr. hit a tying 3-pointer with 0.2 seconds left in regulation. That chance came after Boston's Mitchell Robinson missed two free throws with 3 seconds remaining, AP reported. In overtime, Brown missed a layup with 2.3 seconds left, setting up Tatum's winner. Brown, the No. 6 pick in the NBA draft out of Louisville, finished with 17 points.

Boston outscored Brooklyn 8-7 in the extra period, according to the NBA linescore. The lead changed hands 10 times and the score was tied 15 times.

Michael Porter Jr. had 27 points and 12 rebounds for Brooklyn, and Julius Randle scored 24. The Nets led 109-104 with 2:57 left in regulation before Boston rallied, AP reported.

The Celtics made just 2 of 16 3-point attempts in the first half but trailed only 61-56 at the break. They went 9 of 22 from long range after halftime.

Up next

Both teams play Friday: the Celtics host the Chicago Bulls, and the Nets host the Detroit Pistons.