Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Jayson Tatum's buzzer-beater marked surprising first for Celtics

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Steve DelVecchio | Last updated 4/17/22

The Boston Celtics took Game 1 of their first-round playoff series against the Brooklyn Nets in dramatic fashion on Sunday. In doing so, they accomplished a surprising franchise first.

Jayson Tatum converted a buzzer-beating layup after a great pass from Marcus Smart to lift the Celtics to a 115-114 win. Tatum just barely got the shot off with a beautiful spin move.

JAYSON TATUM FOR THE WIN!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/WUr4UsaURk

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 17, 2022

The shot, which Tatum referred to as “just a layup” after the game, was the first game-winning buzzer-beater of the MVP candidate’s career. It also was the first one ever for the Celtics in a home playoff game, according to Micah Adams of Sporting News.

That was the first game-winning buzzer beater in the playoffs at home in Celtics history.

This was the 358th home game in Celtics playoff history.

For a storied franchise that’s seen almost everything you can imagine, that was a first.

— Micah Adams (@MicahAdams13) April 17, 2022

As Adams noted, the Celtics have hosted 358 postseason games in their franchise’s long and storied history. It seems impossible for that to be their first-ever victory by way of a buzzer-beating shot.

Between the exciting finish and the gesture Kyrie Irving had for Celtics fans, it is clear the series is going to be must-see TV.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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