Boston Celtics: Top 10 games from the first half of 2019-20

1. 2/13 vs LA Clippers

Result: Win (141-133 2OT)

The Milwaukee Bucks game was nearly a lock to be the No. 1 game of the season. However, for the sake of the article, I held off in hopes that fans would be treated to a better show than that game.

Oh boy, was it a good idea to wait on naming that game the best!

The Celtics and Clippers treated everyone around the NBA to possibly the best game of the NBA season. In a game where it seemed Boston would have control towards the end, it was the likes of Lou Williams who carried his team back, without Paul George in the contest.

In the end, it was Marcus Morris who hit a clutch three to send the game to overtime.

In overtime, it was the Jayson Tatum show. He excelled at getting to the line, and hit some tough shots to keep the Clippers at bay. Tatum had a fancy layup in which he utilized his footwork beautifully, too.

His defense on Kawhi Leonard was also phenomenal, as anyone who watched the game live could see. Kawhi only attempted two shots in each overtime, in large part to the effort put forth by Tatum.

Landry Shamet buried a deep three over Tatum to send the game into double overtime, and that’s where the game opened up.

Kemba Walker got in on the highlights as well, with this beauty of a move:

After that Gordon Hayward made his appearance known. His plays in the 2nd extra frame included a clutch catch-and-shoot three, a block that went off of Lou Williams, an offensive rebound that sealed the win, and a steal off of an inbounds pass that ultimately ended the contest.

Marcus Smart was a surprise, too, hitting Marcus Smart-esque shots in the 4th and in the extra periods.

Overall, it was one of the most balanced games of the year, and Jayson Tatum established himself, officially, as the next up-and-coming player in the NBA. Scoring nearly 40 on the league’s best defender is no easy task, but he made it look easy.

It may be tough for any game in the 2nd half of the year to top this one. To add to the memorability, the Boston Celtics announced they’ll be retiring Kevin Garnett‘s number next season. That game was for you, KG.