Jayson Tatum delivered a standout performance with 38 points and 11 rebounds, while Kristaps Porzingis contributed 19 points and 11 boards, helping the Boston Celtics edge out the New Orleans Pelicans 120-119 on Sunday. The victory came despite the Pelicans welcoming back Zion Williamson, who returned to action after serving a one-game suspension.

Trey Murphy III led the Pelicans with 30 points, while Williamson added 16 points and grabbed seven rebounds in his 28-minute return. New Orleans had surged ahead by as much as 11 points early in the game, capitalizing on Boston’s sluggish shooting start. The Celtics struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just one of their first 11 attempts and finishing 13 for 44 from deep. They also shot only 43.6% from the field overall.

Game Highlights

Pelicans: Despite Williamson’s presence, injuries and his suspension have limited his appearances to just eight of the team’s first 40 games. The Pelicans showed they can compete when he’s on the court, but consistency remains a challenge.
Celtics:Boston managed to avoid a setback against one of the league’s struggling teams, improving to 7-6 over their last 13 games.

Crucial Moment

In a tense finish, Boston clung to a one-point lead with just seven seconds remaining. Derrick White struggled to inbound the ball and was called for a five-second violation after unsuccessfully attempting to signal for a timeout. New Orleans had a final opportunity, with CJ McCollum driving to the basket for a potential game-winner. However, his contested layup missed, and the rebound was swatted away as time ran out, securing Boston’s narrow victory.