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The Boston Celtics continued their incredible run of form in 2022 as they defeated Brooklyn Nets in the first game of their playoff series. Both teams were playing incredible basketball as the scores were levelled after the second quarter. But as the game neared its end the intensity was through the roof.
With 15 seconds remaining in the game, Kevin Durant missed a fadeaway three-pointer to ice the game. But then Al Horford grabbed a defensive rebound and passed to Jaylen Brown, who drove towards the hole. Brown then found Marcus Smart, who pumped faked out two defenders and dimed the ball to Jayson Tatum.
The 24-year-old so far had scored 29 points and then hit a spinning lay-up at the buzzer to win the game for Boston. Celtics registered a 115-114 with four players scoring over 20 points. Tatum had 31 points along with Jaylen Brown’s 23 points and 20 points by Smart and Horford.
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While speaking about the final play, Tatum said, “We all thought Smart was gonna shoot it … When he took that dribble, we made eye contact, he made a great pass and I just had to make a layup."
Similarly, Smart also talked about his decision and said, “I’ve always been told you have more time than you realize you have. I was about to throw it to Al (Horford) off the dribble and I saw JT cut at the last minute.”
Nets forward Kevin Durant also heaped praise on his opponents during the post-match interview. He said, “They did a good job of forcing me away, then helping in the paint. I just got to be more fundamental in my moves. I feel like some shots went in and out for me.”