Jayson Tatum scores 32, but Celtics blow 24-point lead, collapse in 120-115 overtime loss to New Orleans

The Celtics looked like they were going to cruise to victory, dominating the Pelicans in nearly every facet of the game.

But offensive execution collapsed as the Celtics fell in a 120-115 overtime loss to the Pelicans on Sunday in Smooth King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Boston dropped back to the .500 mark at 15-15. The Pelicans came into the game on a six-game losing streak but were able to overcome the Celtics.

Here are five observations from Sunday’s game as Boston crumpled to New Orleans.

Jayson Tatum. Closer. But not enough: When the Celtics needed a bucket late in regulation, they turned to their 22-year-old wing — and Tatum delivered twice. The first was a spinning mid-range jumper after he shook off Josh Hart to tie the score. Then Tatum drove to the bucket for a floater with 0.2 seconds left to send the game into overtime.

Tatum scored 32 points on 10-for-24 shooting and nine rebounds. It wasn’t the most efficient night, but he was also 9-for-13 from the free throw line as one of a few Celtics to have a solid offensive night.

It was his late-game heroics that stood out. Ultimately, though, it wasn’t enough to carry the Celtics to victory.

Boston’s late-game woes were back: The Celtics led by as many as 24 points, coming back from a slow start. They were scoring efficiently and defending well.

But the Pelicans weren’t going away easy.

New Orleans chipped away at the lead until it was a 13-point Celtics lead going into the fourth quarter. The Pelicans had bits of momentum, which they used to tie the game and almost take the game in regulation.

After the Celtics looked so efficient, the offense just about shut down late as the jumpers weren’t going down.

New Orleans outscored the Celtics, 34-21, in the fourth quarter. The Pelicans were on the verge of walking away with the win out of regulation, but Tatum willed the Celtics into overtime.

The Pelicans closed out the Celtics in overtime, completing the largest comeback win in franchise history. Brandon Ingram scored 33 points while Zion Williamson had 28.

Celtics can’t buy a winning streak: It’s been a minute since Boston has strung together back-to-back wins. And they’ll still need to wait for the next chance. The last time the Celtics picked up two straight victories was Jan. 25-26 in wins over Cleveland and Chicago.

Since then, it’s been a slog of inconsistency for the Celtics. They’ve grappled with unavailable players as injuries and COVID-19 forced Stevens to switch up his rotation on a near-nightly basis.

Where Boston looked so frustrating resided in its game-to-game inconsistency. The Celtics could look stellar one night then get blown out the next. They looked great for stretches Sunday, but when it mattered most — late in the game — the Celtics once again couldn’t keep up.

Tough performance from Brown and Walker: While Jaylen Brown has been putting together a season worthy of All-Star consideration, it was an inefficient night for the swingman. Kemba Walker, too, struggled after his recent spirited play.

Brown had 25 points but it was on 7-for-23 shooting, though he did have six rebounds and nine assists as he’s been more of a playmaker. Walker scored 14 points but that was on 5-for-21 shooting, including 1-for-12 on 3-pointers, where he’d been so hot of late.

Time Lord stock going up: Aside from his high-flying dunks off multiple alley-oops, Robert Williams has continued to make an impact on the game. Stevens kept him in the game late down the stretch and into overtime in an attempt to boost the offense.

Williams finished with eight points and 13 rebounds Sunday. He looked like one of the most athletic players on the court on his way to four blocks, too. He finished with 21 minutes played.