Jayson Tatum’s clutch heroics propelled the Celtics to a 118-116 victory over the Pelicans on Friday. Read more on Boston.com.

Jayson Tatum's jumper with 0.7 seconds left gave the Boston Celtics a 118-116 victory over the short-handed New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night.

Tatum finished with 27 points and 10 rebounds and Jaylen Brown scored 28 points for the Celtics, who forced 20 New Orleans turnovers. Trey Murphy erupted for 40 points for the Pelicans, who were without Zion Williamson (illness), Brandon Ingram (ankle), Herbert Jones (shoulder), Daniel Theis (thumb), and Jordan Hawkins (illness).

After Pelicans veteran guard CJ McCollum drained a clutch floater with just 24 seconds remaining to tie it, Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum took matters into his own hands, drilling the game-winner with McCollum in his face.

With less than a second left in a tie game, Tatum hit a contested, game-winning fadeaway jump shot to give the Celtics a dramatic 118-116 win on the road. Tatum finished the game with 27 points on 10-of-21 shooting with 10 assists and six rebounds.

New Orleans Pelicans guard Dejounte Murray (5) reacts after being hurt in the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Boston Celtics in New Orleans, Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) AP

Tatum had 22 points through three quarters before being held in check for much of the fourth. But the Celtics went to him after CJ McCollum’s tying basket with 24 seconds left, and he hit the eventual winner over McCollum from the left wing.