In the remaining minutes of the game, the Boston Celtics were able to prevail over the Minnesota Timberwolves 127-120 in overtime to reach an 18-0 home record.
Jayson Tatum took over with 45 points and six threes. His co-star, Jaylen Brown, generated 35 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 9-16 with four threes. The latter took charge on the defensive end, as he has done all season.
“I feel like I can be one of the better defenders on the planet,” Brown said postgame about his defensive emphasis this season. “That’s something that, going forward, I think with (Marcus) Smart being gone, with Rob (Williams) being gone, I wanted to make sure to start the year, our defense didn’t wane. I tried to lead by example.”
The two-time All-Star has always had a close relationship with Anthony Edwards, as they are both Georgia natives. Brown revealed what his message to the latter was as the two engaged in friendly trash talk throughout the night.
“That’s my little bro,” Brown said. “So, rooted in respect, all-rooted competition…Any other night, I’m cheering for him. But tonight, I didn’t wanna hear none of that. It was all love.”
The Celtics will now head to Milwaukee to take on the Bucks on Thursday night on TNT.