Celtics turn to familiar look to setup Jayson Tatum game winner over 76ers

Joe Mazzulla isn’t known for calling many timeouts but the Celtics’ head coach drew up a gem for Jayson Tatum on Boston’s final play of regulation in a thrilling 110-107 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday night.

The sequence averted a potentially disastrous finish for Mazzulla and the visitors at Wells Fargo Center after Boston blew a 10-point lead in the final six minutes of regulation, leading to a tie game with 10 seconds remaining in regulation.

The 76ers had a foul initially to give on Boston’s initial inbounds and were whistled for it with just over five seconds remaining before Mazzulla called his final timeout.

Jayson Tatum had been battling through his second straight subpar offensive night to that point (15 points, 6-of-16 FG), but Mazzulla turned to his MVP candidate with the game on the line despite those struggles.

“Find a way to win the game,” Tatum told ABC’s Lisa Salters after the win. “I wasn’t playing my best. We were just trying to impact winning on both ends. Find a way.”

Mazzulla went back to a play that the Celtics’ had seen success with back in October during a road matchup against the Cavs. Tatum tied up the game at the end of regulation against Cleveland off a pass from Marcus Smart above the arc, driving the paint against Jarrett Allen with a full head of steam.

This time around, Tatum made the same cut but elected to take advantage of some separation he created against De’Anthony Melton above the arc.

“Smart caught it,” Tatum told ABC. “Me coming downhill with a full head of steam, make a play.”

The victory clinched the season series for Boston against Philadelphia with their third straight victory and also maintained their one game lead over the Bucks for the top seed in the East.

“It’s a hell of a team win,” Tatum said. “JB was playing well the whole night but guys were making plays. That speaks to the depth of our team.”

The Celtics will look to add to their winning streak against the Knicks on Monday night in Madison Square Garden.

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