NBA: Jayson Tatum's game winner leads Boston to victory

Tatum hits game-winner with 0.4 seconds left to lead Celtics to 122-121 victory over Bucks

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum hit the game-winning shot over Milwaukee Bucks as Celtics beat Bucks 122-121 in the season opener on Wednesday.

Tatum scored a go-ahead 3-pointer with 0.4 seconds left as he played with 30 points and seven rebounds at TD Garden.

Bucks' superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was fouled during the last play and headed to the free-throw line. However, he missed the second free-throw as Boston got the win.

Jaylen Brown became the highest scorer for the Celtics with 33 points and five rebounds.

In addition to them, Jeff Teague came off the bench to score 19 points, while Tristan Thompson finished with 12 points and eight rebounds.

For the Bucks, Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton performed double-double.

Antetokounmpo produced 35 points and 13 rebounds as Middleton added 27 points and 14 rebounds.

- Ja Morant's 44 points not enough to win

San Antonio Spurs defeated Memphis Grizzlies with a 131-119 score at FedExForum.

The Grizzlies' Ja Morant scored 44 points and nine assists but his efforts were not enough to avoid a loss.

For the Spurs, Demar DeRozan played with 28 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists, while Dejounte Murray helped his team with 21 points, nine assists, and six rebounds.

- Thunder and Rockets game postponed

The game scheduled for Wednesday between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets has been postponed in accordance with the NBA's Health and Safety Protocols.

"Three Houston Rockets players have returned tests that were either positive or inconclusive for coronavirus under the NBA’s testing program. Following the contact tracing protocol, four other players are quarantined at this time," the NBA said in a statement on Thursday.

"Additionally, James Harden is unavailable due to a violation of the Health and Safety Protocols. All other Rockets players were tested again today, and all returned negative results. Houston has one additional player who is unavailable due to injury," NBA added.

The NBA also said that the Rockets do not have the league-required eight available players to proceed with this game.

- Wednesday results:

Indiana Pacers - New York Knicks: 121-107

Orlando Magic - Miami Heat: 113-107

Cleveland Cavaliers - Charlotte Hornets: 121-114

Philadelphia 76ers - Washington Wizards: 113-107

Toronto Raptors - New Orleans Pelicans: 99-113

Boston Celtics - Milwaukee Bucks: 122-121

Minnesota Timberwolves - Detroit Pistons: 111-101

Memphis Grizzlies - San Antonio Spurs: 119-131

Chicago Bulls - Atlanta Hawks: 104-124

Denver Nuggets - Sacramento Kings: 122-124 (Overtime)