Jayson Tatum caps 40-point night with overtime game-winner

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Jayson Tatum caps 40-point night with overtime game-winner

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Oct 27, 2026 11:07 PM ET

On the second night of a back-to-back, while stars have been resting, the Boston Celtics had their superstar Jayson Tatum put together a masterful performance.

Jayson Tatum dropped 40 in an overtime win

Boston needed every bit of Tatum's excellence on Tuesday, and he provided just that. Tatum scored a season-high 40 points, including a game-winning shot at the buzzer in overtime to give the Celtics a 125-124 win over the Brooklyn Nets.

It was the second time this season that Tatum has eclipsed the 35-point mark, and he did so Tuesday by getting to the free-throw line. Tatum both made (18) and attempted (22) career highs from the free-throw line in the win.

It was the exact type of performance that superstars are expected to have, even on the second night of a back-to-back and considering the ongoing saga between him and former teammate Jaylen Brown.

JAYSON TATUM GAME-WINNER

TATUM CALLS GAME VS. NETS. OMGGGG pic.twitter.com/7OrT7gAGke
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) October 28, 2026

Jayson Tatum has been excellent since am opening night loss

Tatum struggled in Boston's opening night loss to the Detroit Pistons, managing just 13 points on 6-of-23 shooting from since the field and failing to make a three-pointer in seven attempts.

Since then, though, Tatum has bounced back and put together three straight excellent showings. In the three games following the loss, Tatum is averaging 33 points, seven rebounds and seven assists per game.

He's still struggled from three-point range in those games (31.8%) but has still found a way to get the ball in the hoop and lead his team to three straight wins.

If Tatum's season-long production replicates anything near what it's been during Boston's three-game winning streak, the Celtics will be back among the favorites to represent the Eastern Conference in the NBA Finals.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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