Neither defenses were great, but that led to some stellar offensive execution in what was an exciting back-and-forth game all night between the Celtics and Hornet . Both teams put up some gaudy offensive totals as stars battled it out — and it was the C’s who came out victorious after a hard-fought game.
Both teams had a shot to win it in regulation, but neither the Celtics nor Hornets were able to even attempt the game-winning shot. That sent the game to overtime, the Celtics’ second in four games this season. That’s when Boston finally pulled away for the 140-129 overtime win Monday at Spectrum Center
The Celtics had an answer for the Hornets every time they made a run, preserving the win as they went on a dominant 14-0 run late. It was the C’s (2-2) who put the game to rest down the stretch as the Hornets just couldn’t find enough shots.
Jayson Tatum scored 41 points on an impressive night, making shots from everywhere on the floor for the second-straight game. Jaylen Brown added 30 points, Dennis Schröder had 23 points and eight assists, and Robert Williams III had a banner night, collecting 12 points and a career-high 16 rebounds. The Hornets (3-1) dropped their first game of the season.
The C’s were without Al Horford (adductor) and Romeo Langford (calf). Brown was also listed on the injury report with knee soreness, but he played Monday. The Celtics are back home to take on the Wizards at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at TD Garden.
Here are four takeaways from Boston’s overtime win over Charlotte:
Celtics’ All-Stars shine bright
The Celtics needed every bucket they could get, which is when they turned to Tatum for most of the game. He was back in his bag, showcasing all his moves on his way to another stellar night. As the Celtics wrapped up an undefeated two-game road trip, the scoring output from Tatum has been a solid sign as he gets into the swing of the season.
It wasn’t just Tatum as Brown displayed his scoring ways. He finished with a 30 points and nine rebounds; he was crucial as he scored 13 points in the third quarter. Brown’s still looking to get back to full speed after his 10-day quarantine and Monday was a solid sign. Brown’s night included a massive poster dunk on Charlotte’s Miles Bridges in overtime.
Microwave some points
The Celtics needed some scoring juice early when the Hornets went up by double-digits in the first quarter, and that’s when Udoka turned to Parker. That decision paid off immediately as Parker knocked down back-to-back corner 3-pointers from the same spot. He was a bright spot in the opening quarter as the C’s clawed back from an early deficit.
The former No. 2 overall pick wasn’t in the rotation this season, but Udoka rolled with him Monday, the second game of a back-to-back. Parker provided a scoring spark as he finished with 13 points and five rebounds in an impressive season debut in the rotation.
Another young star
The Celtics keep getting a sampling of the league’s next generation with their third-straight game against one of the best young players in the league. LaMelo Ball, the reigning Rookie of the Year, was his highlight-worthy self all Monday, putting up 25 points, nine assists and five rebounds.
That’s coming off a pair of games where the C’s saw top-4 draft picks put up numbers. The Rockets’ Jalen Green (30 points) and the Raptors’ Scottie Barnes (25 points, 13 rebounds) showed why they were so sought-after in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Smart comes up big
It wasn’t exactly the best game ever for Marcus Smart as he missed plenty of shots. But this is the Smart experience as he kept making big plays down the stretch — and not necessarily just making buckets. He did hit a crucial 3-pointer late in regulation, his only make from beyond the arc, but his defense late was the difference.
Smart forced a turnover on the Hornets’ last possession of regulation to help the Celtics take it to overtime. He also drew an offensive foul on Ball in overtime, fouling out the talented second-year player. While Smart certainly had some flaws in his game Monday, he and the Celtics came up big late.
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