MX23RW : Wednesday, January 27 09:18:57| >> :600:345866:345866:

NBA roundup: Boston Celtics grind past LA Clippers in double overtime

NBA roundup: Boston Celtics grind past LA Clippers in double overtime
© Reuters
In the second of the only two matches played on the last day before the NBA's All-Star Break, Oklahoma City Thunder beat the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Boston Celtics needed double overtime but finally shook off the Los Angeles Clippers 141-133 for an important win in the NBA.

Boston, placed third in the Eastern Conference, had been battling to keep pace with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Toronto Raptors.

But after Toronto's run was halted at 15 consecutive victories on Wednesday, the Celtics dug deep to overcome the Clippers, who are in third place in the West.

Jayson Tatum led the way with 39 points, Marcus Smart added 31, while Gordon Hayward made 21 points and 13 rebounds.

Hayward made four free throws in the final minute to shore up the win as Boston finally were able to pull away.

Kawhi Leonard had 28 points and 11 rebounds for the Clippers, with Montrezl Harrell making 24 points and 13 rebounds.

The Clippers had to play most of the game without Paul George, who exited in the second quarter with a hamstring strain.

George was also fined $35,000 on Thursday after criticising the refereeing in Tuesday's loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

In the only other game on the last day before the All-Star break, the Oklahoma City Thunder won at the New Orleans Pelicans, 123-118.

Zion Williamson scored 32 points for the Pelicans, placed 11th in the West to the Thunder's seventh.

But the Thunder's Danilo Gallinari secured the victory, making 11 of his 29 points in the last quarter as the visitors maintained control.

Chris Paul had 14 points and 12 assists for the Thunder, who trailed 111-110 late in the last quarter before nine points from Gallinari tipped the balance.

It was a club record-equalling eighth straight away win for the Thunder.

The league now goes into recess for Monday's All-Star game, with club matches resuming next Friday.

ID:389647:cQx
Share this article now:
Did you know...?
Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) drives to the basket over Orlando Magic center Khem Birch (24) during the first quarter at Amway Center on December 14, 2019
Read Next:
NBA roundup: Boston Celtics let seven-game winning streak slip at Houston Rockets
>
Latest Sports Video

rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
Premier League
Championship
Scottish Premiership
Ligue 1
Eredivisie
Copa del Rey
Coppa Italia
Taca de Portugal
National League
National League South
Scottish Championship
Belgian Pro League
Greek Superleague
Swiss Super League
Serie B
2.Bundesliga
Ligue 2
Liga MX
Australian A-League
International Friendlies
Women's Super League
African Nations Championship

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!