Miles Bridges delivered a clutch 3-pointer with just 6.6 seconds remaining, propelling the Charlotte Hornets to a hard-fought victory against the Boston Celtics. Despite Jayson Tatum’s impressive 45-point performance, Bridges’ late-game heroics secured an exhilarating win for the Hornets.
In a stunning comeback, the Hornets secured a thrilling 121-118 overtime victory against the formidable Boston Celtics, breaking a six-game losing streak at home. Bridges’ clutch 3-pointer with mere seconds remaining sealed the win, capping off an intense battle.
LaMelo Ball’s standout performance of 36 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, coupled with Gordon Hayward’s 20 points, powered the Hornets’ resurgence from an 18-point deficit. Despite Jayson Tatum’s remarkable 45-point game for the Celtics, his missed free throw in the final seconds prevented a tie after a foul during a crucial 3-point attempt.
“I couldn’t believe he missed that last one, but we got the win and that is all that matters,” Bridges said.
Tatum couldn’t believe it, either.
“Was I surprised? Yeah, I was surprised,” he said “It felt good, just didn’t go in.”
He was more upset over the Celtics surrendering an 11-point lead with six minutes to play.
“We have to regroup,” Tatum said. “We had six wins in a row and it’s easy to get complacent and we paid for it tonight.”
Following a tense overtime battle, the Charlotte Hornets emerged victorious with a 121-118 win against the red-hot Boston Celtics. In a nail-biting finish, Miles Bridges’ heroics sealed the victory by stealing the inbounds pass after Gordon Hayward’s crucial free throws, securing the Hornets’ lead.
Mark Williams delivered a standout performance, amassing 18 points and 16 rebounds, earning praise from Coach Steve Clifford as his best game since joining the team. Clifford emphasized the importance of the win but maintained focus on the upcoming games, highlighting the team’s need for consistent performances.
Peyton Pritchard’s 21-point contribution for the Celtics, including five 3-pointers, wasn’t enough to sustain their six-game winning streak, ultimately snapped by the Hornets’ resilient effort.
Bridges’ return to the starting lineup, replacing P.J. Washington, had been a strategic move in the works for weeks, aimed at providing a spark for a team that had previously lost four consecutive games. Despite Bridges’ subpar shooting, his impactful performance of 14 points and 15 rebounds in 45 minutes showcased his value on the court.
The game witnessed an impressive display from Jayson Tatum, who tied a career-high of 31 points in the first half, supported by Pritchard’s contributions. However, Charlotte’s determined comeback, led by Williams’ crucial offensive rebound and Ball’s tying basket, forced the game into overtime.
LaMelo Ball’s stellar performance continued, averaging 32 points over his last eight games, proving instrumental in overtime with a crucial left-handed layup to take the lead. Ball’s assist to Bridges for the game-winning 3-pointer in overtime highlighted Charlotte’s remarkable comeback and secured their hard-earned victory.
“I’m a little more healthy and I have some games under my belt,” said Ball, who was limited to 36 games last year due to ankle injuries. “My game has finally got there and I’m feeling better now.”
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