Celtics edge Pelicans 120-119 as Zion Williamson returns from injury

The Boston Celtics survived a furious comeback from the New Orleans Pelicans to win 120-119 on Sunday, January 12, 2025, at TD Garden in Boston — a game defined by grit, a star’s return, and a final-second breath held by 18,624 fans. Jayson Tatum, the Celtics’ 26-year-old All-Star forward, dropped 38 points and 11 rebounds, turning the final minutes into a personal clinic. But the story wasn’t just about Boston’s dominance. It was about Zion Williamson, back from a bone contusion in his left foot, playing with the kind of ferocity that reminded everyone why he was the No. 1 overall pick in 2019.

Williamson’s Return: More Than Just Stats

Zion didn’t just play — he attacked. In his first game since December 21, the 24-year-old power forward logged 16 points, seven rebounds, and five steals in just 31 minutes. His defense was disruptive. His drives were violent. He looked faster, leaner, and more controlled than at any point since his rookie season. Fans at TD Garden, many of whom had watched his career derailed by weight-related injuries and missed games, stood and cheered when he checked in for the first time in the second quarter. He didn’t score immediately, but his presence shifted everything. The Pelicans’ offense, which had been stagnant without him, suddenly had a gravitational center.

His transformation since media day in October was impossible to ignore. He’d lost nearly 25 pounds, a deliberate effort to reduce stress on his joints. The Pelicans’ medical staff had quietly called it a "reinvention," not just a recovery. And on Sunday, it showed. He wasn’t just back — he looked like the player who averaged 27.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 6.0 assists in his two games before the injury.

The Celtics’ Balance and Clutch Execution

Boston didn’t win because of Tatum alone. Though he carried the load — hitting seven of 18 from deep and converting six free throws in the final 90 seconds — it was the supporting cast that kept the Pelicans at bay. Kristaps Porziņģis, the 29-year-old Latvian big man, added 19 points, 11 rebounds, and three threes, stretching the floor just enough to open driving lanes. Derrick White and Jrue Holiday combined for 22 assists and zero turnovers in the second half, a rare display of poise under pressure.

After trailing by 12 in the third quarter, Boston clawed back with a 12-2 run to start the fourth. The turning point? A steal by White, a fast-break dunk by Tatum, and a three from Porziņģis that gave Boston their first lead since the opening minutes. The crowd roared. The Pelicans didn’t flinch.

Pelicans’ Fight — But No Finish

Meanwhile, Trey Murphy III was the unsung hero for New Orleans. The 24-year-old small forward scored 30 points on 10-of-18 shooting, including a staggering five three-pointers — a career-high. He hit one with 1:12 left to tie the game at 117. Then, with 22 seconds remaining, he drove baseline and drew a foul on Tatum, sinking both free throws to make it 119-119. The arena went silent. For a moment, it felt like New Orleans might steal one.

But Tatum answered. With 7.3 seconds left, he isolated against Murphy, stepped back, and drained a 22-footer over his outstretched arm. The shot wasn’t pretty — it was off-balance, fading, almost desperate. But it dropped. The Celtics led by one. The Pelicans’ final possession ended with a contested three from Brandon Ingram that clanged off the back iron.

What This Means for Both Teams

Boston improved to 28-11, maintaining the best record in the Eastern Conference and a .718 winning percentage — the kind of clip that makes them serious title contenders. Their depth, defense, and Tatum’s MVP-caliber season are becoming the new normal.

For New Orleans? The 8-32 record is a reality check. They’re one of the worst teams in NBA history through 40 games. They don’t have a 2025 draft pick — traded away in the CJ McCollum deal — and their rebuild is stuck in neutral. Yet, Williamson’s return offers something they haven’t had in years: hope. Not the kind that comes from a top-five pick, but the kind that comes from seeing a once-in-a-generation talent healthy, focused, and hungry.

"He’s not just back," said Pelicans head coach Willie Green after the game. "He’s better. He’s smarter. And he’s playing like he’s got something to prove — not just to us, but to everyone who doubted he could stay on the floor."

The Bigger Picture

This wasn’t just a win for Boston. It was a moment for the NBA. Williamson’s return signals that, despite years of setbacks — from weight controversies to chronic foot injuries — he’s still capable of being the most electrifying player on the court. His 2019 draft hype wasn’t misplaced. It just took longer than anyone expected to come alive.

For fans, it’s a reminder that talent doesn’t disappear. It waits. And sometimes, it comes back stronger.