Jayson Tatum delivered a thrilling buzzer-beater in overtime to lead the Boston Celtics to a 126-123 victory against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden. However, the moment was shrouded in controversy as slow-motion replays appeared to show Tatum traveling before the decisive shot.
Tatum got away with a travel on the game winner 👀 pic.twitter.com/jyGM3o8GT8
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) November 17, 2024
With the game tied in overtime, Jayson Tatum had the ball in his hands for the final possession. As he maneuvered to create space, both of his feet seemed to shift multiple times before he initiated his dribble—a clear violation under NBA rules. Yet, despite the referees’ position close to the play, no whistle was blown. This non-call quickly became a focal point for fans and analysts alike.
The Raptors, who came into the game undermanned, battled fiercely and deserved a fair opportunity to defend the final play properly. Jakob Poeltl’s career-high 35 points and RJ Barrett’s triple-double of 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 15 assists had kept Toronto competitive throughout the night. Still, their efforts were overshadowed by the contentious ending.
The controversy adds another layer to an already dramatic game. Tatum had missed a potential game-winner at the end of regulation, a wide-open jumper that didn’t even touch the rim. Yet, in overtime, the Celtics star redeemed himself with a difficult, contested three-pointer from 28 feet, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
He finished the game just shy of a triple-double with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists, emphasizing his pivotal role despite some shooting struggles.
The play itself unfolded chaotically. The original plan seemed designed to free Jaylen Brown for the final shot, but Brown was knocked to the floor by Davion Mitchell in a physical screen exchange that went uncalled. This left Tatum to improvise against Ochai Agbaji, who defended well but couldn’t prevent the dagger. Fans and analysts debated whether Mitchell’s collision with Brown deserved a whistle as well, compounding the night’s officiating scrutiny.
🔥JAYSON TATUM HITS THE GAME WINNING BUZZER BEATER 🔥 pic.twitter.com/GvTqgAgsUE
— NBA TV (@NBATV) November 17, 2024
For the Celtics, the win marked another resilient performance, especially with key players Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis sidelined. Al Horford’s timely shooting and Brown’s clutch overtime play were instrumental, but Tatum’s buzzer-beater stole the spotlight.
The Raptors’ loss extends their losing streak to seven games, but their fight against the defending champions was commendable. Toronto dominated points in the paint, outscoring Boston 76-42, largely thanks to Poeltl’s efficiency. Barrett’s orchestrating performance also stood out, showing his growth as a playmaker. However, the traveling no-call on Tatum left a sour taste for Toronto fans, who felt the team was robbed of a fair outcome.
While the Celtics celebrated their victory, the debate over Tatum’s potential travel raged on, highlighting yet again the importance of consistent officiating in critical moments.
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