Fri Jan 24 06:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Celtics Edge Clippers in Overtime Thriller Despite Key Injuries
**INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP)** — The Boston Celtics overcame a depleted roster and a late Clippers surge to secure a 117-113 overtime victory Wednesday night at Crypto.com Arena. Both teams were missing key players, adding to the drama of a game filled with lead changes and clutch performances.
Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 25 points, while Jayson Tatum added 24. Derrick White chipped in 20 points, and Sam Hauser’s 15 points, including five 3-pointers, proved crucial. The Celtics played without Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis.
Despite their own injury woes – Kawhi Leonard, James Harden, Norman Powell, and Ivica Zubac were all sidelined – the Los Angeles Clippers put up a fierce fight. Derrick Jones Jr. exploded for a career-high 29 points, including 17 in the first quarter, while Kevin Porter Jr. added a season-high 26 and Amir Coffey contributed 24.
Coffey’s late dunk and Jones’ steal and score tied the game at 103-103 with 4.2 seconds left in regulation, sending the game into overtime. However, the Celtics opened overtime with three consecutive 3-pointers, quickly establishing a lead they wouldn’t relinquish, although the Clippers fought back to within two points in the final seconds.
The game featured 16 ties and 25 lead changes, showcasing the competitiveness of both teams despite their injury-ravaged lineups. The Celtics’ strong fourth-quarter comeback, fueled by their three-point shooting, proved pivotal in their hard-fought victory. The Celtics now face the Lakers on Thursday, while the Clippers host the Washington Wizards.
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