The Charlotte Hornets defeated the Boston Celtics, 121-118, in overtime at Spectrum Center on Monday night.

The Celtics (11-3) opened the game in impressive fashion that portended yet another win for the red-hot squad, as they'd forged a 65-54 lead by halftime after a highly efficient first half. The Hornets (4-9) did manage to make a five-point dent in their deficit in the third, but it was Charlotte's 19-8 run over the final 5;44 of regulation capped off by a LaMelo Ball driving layup with seven seconds remaining that forced overtime. In the extra period, Ball would eventually strike again, feeding Miles Bridges for a tie-breaking 25-foot three-point jumper that would essentially seal the victory.

Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 45 points, adding 13 rebounds, six assists and two blocks. Payton Pritchard delivered 21 points, six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Kristaps Porzingis supplied 17 points, eight rebounds, three blocks and two steals. Jaylen Brown registered 13 points, four rebounds and three assists. Jrue Holiday furnished 11 points, six boards, five assists, two blocks and one steal.

Ball paced the Hornets with 36 points, complementing them with nine rebounds, eight assists, two steals and one block. Gordon Hayward totaled 20 points, five rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block. Mark Williams generated an 18-point, 16-rebound double-double that included two assists, three blocks and one steal. P.J. Washington netted 15 points, while Bridges posted 14 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and one steal.

The Celtics return home to host the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night, while the Hornets remain home and host the Washington Wizards on Wednesday night.