Jayson Tatum had one of the best performances of his career against the Washington Wizards last night. The Celtics’ All-Star had a game-high 50 points to carry the team past Washington in the playoffs.
The Celtics and Wizards played one another in the play-in tournament to determine who would advance to the playoffs as the seventh seed in a one-off game.
Tatum led the way for Boston with one of his best career contests. The All-Star finished with 50 points, eight rebounds, four assists, a steal and two blocks in 41 minutes. Furthermore, the star converted all 17 of his attempts from the free-throw line. Teammate and fellow All-Star Kemba Walker added 29 points to help Boston come out victorious.
The entire first half of the game was relatively close and competitive. Heading into the third quarter, the Wizards were leading 54-52, but Tatum erupted to begin the second half. The Celtics’ All-Star scored 23 of his 50 points in the third quarter alone. Tatum’s 23 points almost outscored the Wizards’ entire output in the third quarter. Washington scored 26 points in the third quarter compared to Tatum’s 23.
With the help of Tatum, Boston quickly got to a 20-4 run to start the second half. Boston took a 90-80 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The fourth quarter was close as Washington started to score in an attempt to come back, but Tatum and Walker responded each time to prevent a Wizards comeback.
Boston held on to a 118-110 win over Washington. The win allowed Boston entry into the playoffs as the seventh seed and set up a series with the Brooklyn Nets in the first round. While Boston advances, the Wizards will have to play the Indiana Pacers on Thursday to determine the eighth seed for the playoffs.
Following the win, Wizards All-Star Bradley Beal had nothing but compliments for the Celtics’ star. “He’s a special talent, and I have been saying that since he was in diapers,” Beal said of Tatum. “It doesn’t surprise me.”
“It’s tough when you guard him,” Beal added. “He’s 6-9, he can get his shot off, he’s strong, and can shoot the ball. He’s a three-level scorer. So you got to respect everything he does on the floor. I know a lot of his moves, and a lot of it I was there, but I am only 6-3. I wish I was 6-9 with robotic arms.”
Tatum spoke about his performance and whether it solidified his status as a superstar. “I guess it helps,” the All-Star said. “I don’t really get caught up in those who think I’m a superstar and those that don’t. What does that really mean? I know that my teammates, I’ve earned their respect. I’ve earned the respect of the guys I’ve played against and the coaches.”
“I believe in myself, and that’s all that matters.”
