Tatum Drives Celtics to Overtime Win With 22 Free Throw Attempts

Jayson Tatum drew 22 free throw attempts against the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday night, an NBA single-game high. He converted on 18 of those shots. The Boston Celtics won the contest 125-124 in overtime at TD Garden.

The Celtics played their second game in as many days for the first time this season. Tatum, who underwent Achilles surgery 18 months ago, did not limit his role. He logged 42 minutes and 19 seconds on the floor. That total exceeded the next highest player on the roster by six minutes. Paul George, age 36, played 36 minutes.

Tatum handled the ball 88 times and made 56 passes. He did not commit a turnover during his time on the court. Boston has struggled with ball security earlier in the season. Tatum recorded eight assists that led to 17 points. Those plays accounted for 45.6 percent of Boston's total point output.

The Celtics nearly lost the game in regulation. Tatum threw a pass to Derrick White for an and-1 dunk late in the fourth quarter. Mikel Brown, a Nets rookie, lost track of White on that play. Tatum delivered the ball through defenders to the spot where White finished the layup before Noah Clowney fouled him.

Boston players missed opportunities to close out the fourth quarter. The Nets forced overtime. Tatum scored the game-winning mid-range jumper as the clock hit zero in the extra period.

Through four games, Tatum has created 83 assist points. He is tied for fifth in the NBA for that stat. Only Trae Young, Tyrese Haliburton, Jalen Johnson, and Luka Doncic have created more scoring for teammates. Tatum is also tied for fifth in total assists with Cade Cunningham at 32 each.

Most of Tatum's assists on Tuesday led to two-point baskets rather than three-pointers. Seven of his eight assists resulted in two-point scoring. He ranks ninth in the league in potential assists with 56 total passes.