On Saturday afternoon, the Boston Celtics are playing the Philadelphia 76ers (at home) for Game 1 of their first-round playoff series.
The Celtics got off to a strong start, leading by a score of 64-46 at halftime.
Jayson Tatum had 21 points, eight rebounds, four assists and two steals while shooting 7/11 from the field and 1/4 from three-point range in his first 19 minutes of playing time.
Boston Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Made NBA History
GettyJayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics grabs a rebound over Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers and Andre Drummond #1 during the first quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 19, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts.
UPDATE: The Celtics won by a score of 123-91.
Tatum also made NBA history during the first half.
Real App wrote: “Jayson Tatum has passed Kobe Bryant in all-time threes made in the playoffs.”
Tatum will also have a chance to make more history.
Underdog wrote: “All-time leaders in 3-pointers made in the NBA Playoffs 10. J.R. Smith (294) 11. Jayson Tatum (293) 12. Kobe Bryant (292) Jayson has the chance to make the top 10 today”
10. J.R. Smith (294) 11. Jayson Tatum (293) 12. Kobe Bryant (292)
Jayson has the chance to make the top 10 today 📈
Tatum’s Remarkable Season
GettyJayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dishes the ball out from the defense of Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the first quarter of Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 19, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Tatum had missed most of the year before returning last month.
He finished the regular season with averages of 21.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.4 steals per contest while shooting 41.1% from the field and 32.9% from three-point range in 16 games.
So far, the future Hall of Famer has looked like himself (despite the serious injury).
ESPN Insights wrote: “Boston’s offense is feeling good early against Philly. In the 1st quarter, the Celtics were a perfect 10-10 off passes, often taking advantage of the easy looks created… shooting 9-10 on open FGA. They were led by Jayson Tatum, who scored or assisted on 19 1st quarter points, accounting for more than the 76ers had as a team.”
GettyJayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics warms up before before Game One of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on April 19, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Tatum was the third pick in the 2017 NBA Draft out of Duke.
He is in his ninth season (all with the Celtics).
Celtics Right Now
The Celtics are the second seed in the Eastern Conference with a 56-26 record.
They are 30-11 in 41 games at home.
After winning the 2024 title, the Celtics are coming off a year where they lost to Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks in the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs.
Following Sunday’s game, the teams will play Game 2 (also in Boston) on Tuesday night.
Games 3 and 4 will be at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.
Boston Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Made NBA History In 76ers Game