Celtics clinch playoff spot despite botching final play during loss to Jazz

The Boston Celtics (49-23) clinched a playoff spot for a ninth consecutive year despite losing to the Utah Jazz (34-36) Saturday night at Vivint Smart Home Arena after botching the final play.

With the Miami Heat's loss to the Chicago Bulls, the Celtics have now reached the postseason 15 times in the past 16 years.

Prince William can't get enough of Jayson Tatum whilst watching Celtics game

Celtics forward Grant Williams received the inbounds pass on the last play of the one-point loss and got blocked when he drove to the basket for a layup.

Williams, 24, finished the contest with 23 points, just a a couple shy of Boston's leading scorer, Jaylen Brown.

Fans questioned why Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla would draw up a play for Williams over Grant to end the game.

Celtis head coach Joe Mazulla on final play

Mazzulla, 34, explained during his postgame press conference that the play did not work because Williams "went the opposite way."

Boston's silver lining is that they're officially playoff-bound and with enough games left to clinch a higher seed.

The Milwaukee Bucks and Denver Nuggets are the only two other teams who have secured a ticket to the postseason.

Jayson Tatum, who only scored 15 points against Utah, will look to bounce back Tuesday at Sacramento Kings.

Jazz, meanwhile, host the Kings one day prior, and Lauri Markannen will look to stay hot after his game-high 28 point-performance against Boston.

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