Celtics blow 24-point lead, lose in OT
NEW ORLEANS — Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson took what they hope will be meaningful steps in turning the New Orleans Pelicans’ season around, combining decisively to produce pivotal plays during a memorable comeback.
Ingram highlighted a 33-point performance by hitting a go-ahead 3-pointer with 33.3 seconds left in overtime, and New Orleans held on for 120-115 victory over the Boston Celtics on Sunday after rallying from 24 points down in the third quarter.
“Today was a day of encouragement,” Ingram said. “We just stayed together and everybody did things that they do well.”
Zion Williamson scored 24 of his 28 points after halftime and had 10 rebounds, four assists and a block for the Pelicans, who narrowly avoided losing for the sixth time in seven games. Josh Hart, who was instrumental in the comeback, had 17 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks and a steal.
“We stayed true to who we were. We rallied back,” Williamson said. “Everybody — coaches, players, ball boys — everybody was just engaged.”
Jayson Tatum had 32 points and nine rebounds, and Jaylen Brown scored 25 for the Celtics.
NETS 112, CLIPPERS 108: In Los Angeles, James Harden scored 37 points and Brooklyn held off the Clippers for its season-best sixth victory in a row.
The Nets wrapped up a 5-0 road trip, beating Golden State, Sacramento, Phoenix, and both Los Angeles teams to complete their longest undefeated single trip in franchise history.
MAGIC 105, PISTONS 96: In Orlando, Florida, Nikola Vucevic had 37 points and 11 rebounds, Evan Fournier added a season-high 29 points and the Magic beat Detroit.
The Magic have won three in a row, their longest since opening the season 4-0. The teams will play again in Orlando on Tuesday night.
BUCKS 128, KINGS 114: in Milwaukee, Giannis Antetokounmpo had 38 points and Khris Middleton scored 32 to lead the
Bucks past skidding Sacramento.
The Bucks won their second straight after ending a five-game losing streak with a victory over Oklahoma City on Friday night.
KNICKS 103, TIMBERWOLVES 99: In New York, Tom Thibodeau’s first game against his former team turned out to be the last one for Ryan Saunders.
Julius Randle had 25 points and 14 rebounds, and the Knicks recovered after blowing a 21-point lead to pull out the victory over Minnesota, which fired Saunders afterward.
RAPTORS 110, 76ERS 103: In Tampa, Florida, Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet each had 23 points and Toronto beat Philadelphia for its fourth straight victory.
Joel Embiid, coming off a 50-point game against Chicago on Friday night, had 25 points and 17 rebounds for the 76ers.
THUNDER 117, CAVALIERS 101: In Cleveland, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had 31 points and nine assists as Oklahoma City handed the Cavaliers their 10th consecutive loss.