NBA world reacts as Jayson Tatum joins legendary club
Everyone knows that Jayson Tatum is one of the best players in the NBA, but few fans would rank him among the all-time legends.
But the Boston Celtics star joined legendary NBA company on Thursday night. The 6-foot-8 forward scored a career-high 34 points and 19 rebounds in a 121-118 overtime win over the Golden State Warriors.
In the aftermath, Tatum, 24, is only the 10th player in NBA history to score 9,000 points before turning 25.
Jayson Tatum has reached 9,000 points in his career. He is the 10th player in NBA history to reach 9,000 points before the age of 25. pic.twitter.com/1CSz85nMWd
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) January 20, 2023
That 9,000 point total may seem somewhat arbitrary, but there’s no questioning the legitimacy of the players on the roster, all of whom are in the Pro Basketball Hall of Fame or destined to be there one day. In order, they are LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, Devin Booker, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shaquille O’Neal and Anthony Davis.
Tatum hasn’t played himself even close to the Hall of Fame bubble yet, but he’s definitely playing like an MVP candidate this year, averaging 31.1 points per game.
NBA fans on Twitter cheered Tatum, who struggled with his shot Thursday (9 of 27 from the field) but persevered. Boston Celtics insider Marc D’Amico tweeted: “Jayson Tatum played the last 41 minutes of the game without a break. It was Herculean stuff he just did at TD Garden man. He is incredible.
Jayson Tatum played the last 41 minutes of the match uninterrupted. It was Herculean stuff he just did at TD Garden man. He is incredible.
— Marc D’Amico (@Marc_DAmico) January 20, 2023
The NBA Twitter account posted: “Jayson Tatum became the first Celtic to record 30+ PTS, 15+ REB and 5+ AST in a game since Paul Pierce (2002) as he led the Celtics to the rematch. of the W final!
Jayson Tatum became the first Celtic to record 30+ PTS, 15+ REB and 5+ AST in a game since Paul Pierce (2002) as he led the @celtics to a W final rematch!
Steph Curry: 29 PTS, 4 REB, 7 AST, 6 3 p.m.
Al Horford: 20 PTS, 10 CERs
📲 https://t.co/WFdLNEjikq pic.twitter.com/NtlboHLniu
— NBA (@NBA) January 20, 2023
“A beast!” tweeted a fan.
A beast!
— Bob Briggs (@BobBrig43803547) January 20, 2023
“Jayson Tatum is so good 34 points, 19 rebounds and 6 assists is a ‘night off,'” Trevor Hass tweeted.
Jayson Tatum is so good that 34 points, 19 rebounds and 6 assists is a “night’s rest”.
— Trevor Hass (@TrevorHass) January 20, 2023
[ESPN Stats & Info]