In case it slipped anyone’s mind, Jayson Tatum is usually a playoff riser. Quite a high riser at that.
Last night, he rose and shone in front of a boisterous, sometimes arrogant, Philadelphia crowd, going coast-to-coast on a play where he dazzled with an in-and-out dribble before walking into a pretty spin move that made way for an easy layup.
Or so he made it look just that easy.
He is also making it look like rupturing an Achilles tendon — something that has resulted in ending many careers in professional sports in history — is no biggie.
The Boston Celtics saw off the Philadelphia 76ers once again last night. Once again by over 30 points.
Stealing a line from Anthony Edwards — the Sixers may have Joel Embiid, but the Celtics have Jayson Tatum. A springy, joyful Tatum ready to lead Boston past its rivals to continue the trend that began in 1982 of the Celtics not losing a playoff series to the Sixers.
Up 3-1, the Celtics sure look ready to launch into the second round and take on the next challenge.
For that to happen and then some, the Celtics will need this version of Tatum.
Jayson Tatum Makes More History in Clutch Game 4 Win
To think he might be nervous in his first road playoff game since returning from Achilles reconstruction.
Let’s learn never to doubt this man again.
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 21: Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives to the basket while guarded by Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
In Game 3, with the series knotted at one game apiece, Tatum sank the Sixers with 25 points and two gut-punch 3-pointers in the final minutes of regulation.
He clearly didn’t feel that was enough, so he came back for Game 4 with intentions to do a little more.
In the next Sixers home game, Tatum fired away for 30 points on 50% shooting from both the field and the 3-point line. He also sprinkled in a cool 11 assists. Nothing major.
His 30 points moved him into the top 30 all time in playoff scoring, tying him with future Hall of Famer Russell Westbrook at No. 28.
Capturing milestones in the playoffs after tearing your Achilles (as the kids today like to say) crazy!
But that’s not all.
After the game, the NBA announced Tatum also made some Celtics history. The six-time All-Star became the first player to don the green and white to record 30 points, 10 assists and five 3-pointers in a postseason game.
Question for the youth: Is that stat line worthy of some glaze?
Is He Getting Enough Credit?
It’s fair to say Tatum has been on the wrong end in terms of fan feedback over the years.
From echoing Kevin Garnett’s “we did it!” after winning the Finals to the Celtics even showing they are capable of looking like a contender without him, some just have vibed with Tatum.
He or she can say what they please about that moment after winning a championship. And sure, Boston won 50-plus games without him this season and even saw his teammate grow into an MVP candidate. But he’s still Tatum, a five-time All-NBA selection (and counting!), a six-time All-Star (and counting!) and perennial MVP candidate when healthy, which he has often been in his career outside of this season.
Let the Tatum ingenuity continue this spring.
NBA Announces Eye-Opening Jayson Tatum News After Celtics Game 4 Win