Nets vs. Celtics score: Jayson Tatum, Boston sink Brooklyn on last play with buzzer-beating layup, take Game 1

Boston takes Game 1 in crazy fashion

In arguably the most intriguing first-round series of the NBA playoffs, the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics clashed on Sunday in a Game 1 matchup between two legitimate title contenders. After a wild back-and-forth contest, the Celtics prevailed -- thanks to an incredible layup by Jayson Tatum as time expired for a 115-114 win. 

Brooklyn tried to rally from a 15-point deficit but fell short. Kyrie Irving, facing his former team, scores a game-high 39 points and Kevin Durant provided 23 in the loss. Tatum led Boston with 31 points, including the game-sealing layup. Teammates Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart and Al Horford combined for 63 points in the win.

Recap all the highlights throughout Sunday's Game 1 action between the Celtics and Nets below.  

[Apr 17, 2022 at 6:11 pm ET · James Herbert]

Jayson Tatum: 31 points, 9-18 FG, 3-7 3PT, 10-12 FT, 4 rebounds, 8 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 5 turnovers
Jaylen Brown: 23 points, 9-19 FG, 1-4 3PT, 4-6 FT, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, 2 blocks, 2 turnovers
Marcus Smart: 20 points, 8-17 FG, , 4-9 3PT, 7 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals

Kyrie Irving: 39 points, 12-20 FG, 6-10 3PT, 9-9 FT, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 steals, 1 block, 3 turnovers
Kevin Durant: 23 points, 9-24 FG, 1-5 3PT, 4-5 FT, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 6 turnovers

[Apr 17, 2022 at 6:08 pm ET · James Herbert]

FINAL SCORE: Celtics 115, Nets 114

[Apr 17, 2022 at 6:12 pm ET · Michael Kaskey-Blomain]

I'll take 7 games between these two teams. 

[Apr 17, 2022 at 6:09 pm ET · Michael Kaskey-Blomain]

A pirouette by Jayson Tatum to win the game

[Apr 17, 2022 at 6:08 pm ET · Michael Kaskey-Blomain]

One of the craziest endings to a game that you'll see. Absolutely insane. 

[Apr 17, 2022 at 6:07 pm ET · James Herbert]

The Nets won the fourth quarter 29-19 but it was not quite enough

[Apr 17, 2022 at 6:07 pm ET · James Herbert]

Crazy game, crazy finish

[Apr 17, 2022 at 6:07 pm ET · James Herbert]

Jeeeez

[Apr 17, 2022 at 6:07 pm ET · James Herbert]

And then Marcus Smart turned down a spot-up 3 to find Tatum cutting to the basket for the win

[Apr 17, 2022 at 6:07 pm ET · James Herbert]

Incredible last defensive possession for Boston, waaaay too much dribbling from Kyrie led to a desperation shot from Durant

[Apr 17, 2022 at 6:06 pm ET · James Herbert]

Yep, Tatum's spinning layup at the buzzer will win it. Wow

[Apr 17, 2022 at 6:06 pm ET · James Herbert]

The Nets were in a total scramble there

[Apr 17, 2022 at 6:06 pm ET · James Herbert]

I'm pretty sure that will count