WATCH: Jayson Tatum scores 31 points, 5 rebounds vs. Brooklyn Nets (3/11)

The Duke product carried Boston for much of the game, and nearly helped them steal the win until the Nets took over late in the fourth.

With Boston Celtics All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum carrying the team for much of the game when it stumbled against the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday, it looked like the Celtics might pull off the improbable win.

But late in the fourth, the Nets pulled away despite Tatum’s 31 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and steal on 13-of-22 shooting. It included the Duke product going 3-of-7 from beyond the arc and 2-of-2 from the free throw line in 36 minutes of floor time, turning the ball over twice and committing just one personal foul in one of his better performances of the season.

While Tatum certainly had help from his teammates — particularly veteran guard Marcus Smart in his first game back from an extended absence to injury — the tenor of this game would have gone quite differently had he not played to such a high level.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evDIRDLdMHw

Watch the highlight clip embedded above put together by Tomasz Kordylewski to see the St. Louis native cook against Brooklyn Thursday night — while it’s not as sweet without the win, it’s still worth the watch.

This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook!

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