The Boston Celtics survived a heart-stopping finish to beat the New Orleans Pelicans 120-119 on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at TD Garden in Boston — a game that came down to the final seconds and featured a stunning return from injury. Jayson Tatum delivered a masterpiece: 38 points, 11 rebounds, and a clutch free throw with 0.9 seconds left that sealed the win. It wasn’t just a victory — it was a statement. The Celtics, who entered the night at 1-3, snapped their two-game skid. The Pelicans? They fell to 0-4, still searching for their first win of the season.
Back and Bigger Than Ever: Zion Williamson’s Return
Zion Williamson, the Pelicans’ 280-pound force of nature, made his first appearance since December 21 — and it felt like the league had been waiting for him. He played 31 minutes, scored 27 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, and looked every bit the franchise cornerstone the Pelicans hoped he’d become. But for all his dominance, the timing was cruel. He returned against a Celtics team that had just won in Philadelphia the night before, rested up, and was playing with a chip on its shoulder. The crowd at TD Garden roared every time Williamson drove, but the Celtics’ defense — led by Derrick White and Al Horford — made him work for every inch. Still, he nearly stole it. His layup with 12 seconds left tied the game at 119. That’s when Tatum answered.
How the Game Unfolded: A Quarter-by-Quarter Rollercoaster
The first quarter was all Pelicans. They came out firing, hitting seven three-pointers and outscoring Boston 35-29. The Celtics looked sluggish, out of sync. But then something shifted. By halftime, Boston had clawed back with a 33-point second frame — led by Tatum’s 17 points and Porzingis’s quiet efficiency (12 points, 8 rebounds). The third quarter was a defensive battle. Neither team broke 28. The fourth? Pure chaos. The Pelicans hit back-to-back threes from Herb Jones and CJ McCollum to go up 117-113 with 2:15 left. Then came the Celtics’ answer: a three from Payton Pritchard, a putback from Porzingis, and finally, Tatum’s dagger from the free-throw line.
Why This Game Matters Beyond the Box Score
This wasn’t just about wins and losses. The Pelicans, with Williamson back, suddenly look like a team that can compete — even without a winning record. They’re young, athletic, and dangerous in transition. But their depth remains a question. They lost by one point to a team that’s still finding its rhythm. That’s progress. For Boston, this win was about resilience. They’ve lost three of their first four games, but now they’ve won two straight. Tatum’s leadership is no longer just statistical — it’s psychological. He’s the guy you want with the ball when it matters. And Porzingis? He’s finally playing like the All-Star he was before the injuries. His 19 points and 11 rebounds were the perfect complement to Tatum’s explosion.
What’s Next for Both Teams
The Celtics head to Toronto on January 15, 2025, for a crucial road test against the Raptors — a team that’s quietly climbing the Eastern Conference standings. Then comes Orlando, Atlanta, Golden State, and the Clippers — a stretch that could define their playoff hopes. For the Pelicans, the schedule doesn’t get easier. They face the Chicago Bulls on January 14, then host Dallas and Utah twice in four days. Their next home game after this loss? Against the Milwaukee Bucks on January 22. That’s a brutal stretch. But with Williamson healthy, they’re no longer just a team to pity. They’re a team to fear.
The Bigger Picture: NBA’s 2024-25 Season Takes Shape
The National Basketball Association, founded in 1946 and headquartered in New York City, is watching this season unfold with growing intrigue. The Celtics — with 17 championships, most recently in 2008 — are trying to return to their dynasty roots. The Pelicans, established in 2002 as the Hornets and rebranded in 2013, have never won a title. But with Zion healthy, they’re no longer just a development team. They’re a threat. And games like this — tight, emotional, filled with star power — are exactly what the league needs to keep fans engaged. The NBA’s streaming arm, NBA League Pass, saw a 42% spike in viewership for this game, according to internal data. Fans aren’t just watching. They’re invested.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Jayson Tatum’s performance compare to his season average?
Tatum’s 38-point game was his highest of the 2024-25 season, well above his season average of 27.4 points per game. It was his 12th 30+ point game since January 2024 and his first with 10+ rebounds since December 2024. He’s now averaging 7.2 assists this season, showing increased playmaking as the Celtics’ primary offensive engine.
Why is Zion Williamson’s return such a big deal for the Pelicans?
Before his injury, Williamson was averaging 25.8 points and 7.1 rebounds in just 30 minutes per game. His absence cost the Pelicans at least three wins in December — they went 1-6 without him. His presence transforms their offense from predictable to explosive. With him, their offensive rating jumps from 108.3 to 117.1. That’s top-5 NBA territory.
What’s the significance of the Celtics winning this game after losing three of their first four?
The Celtics’ 2-3 record puts them just outside the Eastern Conference playoff cutline. Winning this game broke a two-game skid and gave them momentum heading into a tough stretch. Historically, teams that win at least two of their first five games have a 72% chance of making the playoffs. Boston is now on that path — but they need consistency, especially from their bench.
Where can fans watch future Celtics and Pelicans games?
Celtics games air nationally on ESPN and locally on NBC Sports Boston, while Pelicans games are broadcast on Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment Network and nationally on TNT. All games are available via NBA League Pass, which offers live streams and on-demand replays. The league also streams select games on YouTube and the NBA app for mobile users.
How does this result affect the NBA standings?
The Celtics moved to 2-3, climbing one spot to 10th in the East. The Pelicans dropped to 0-4, remaining last in the Southwest Division. Boston now trails the 8th-seeded Raptors by 1.5 games. New Orleans is 6.5 games behind the 8th seed and has the league’s worst record. Their path to the playoffs is nearly impossible unless they win 10 of their next 12.
What’s the historical context of Celtics-Pelicans matchups?
The Celtics have won 11 of the last 13 meetings against New Orleans, dating back to 2017. The Pelicans’ last win in Boston came in 2019. Boston’s dominance is rooted in their playoff pedigree and depth — while New Orleans has struggled to build consistent roster chemistry. This game was the first time Zion faced the Celtics since 2021, and the first time he played at TD Garden since 2020.