The Boston Celtics have been fortunate to have Jayson Tatum as a cornerstone of their franchise. The 24-year-old forward has been making waves in the NBA with his impressive skills and dedication to the game. From his early days as a rookie to his current status as a bonafide NBA star, Tatum has consistently delivered top-notch performances that have left fans and analysts alike in awe. In this article, we'll be counting down Jayson Tatum's top 10 career games, highlighting his most impressive achievements and the moments that have defined his career so far.
Jayson Tatum's Rise to Stardom
Before we dive into Tatum's top 10 career games, let's take a step back and appreciate his remarkable journey. The Duke University product was drafted third overall by the Boston Celtics in 2017, and from the get-go, he showed flashes of brilliance. As a rookie, Tatum averaged 13.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game, earning him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team. Since then, he has continued to evolve and improve, becoming one of the most dominant players in the league.
Top 10 Career Games: #10 - 32 Points vs. the Philadelphia 76ers (October 23, 2018)
In the 2018-2019 season, Tatum showed signs of taking his game to the next level. On October 23, 2018, he scored 32 points against the Philadelphia 76ers, leading the Celtics to a 102-101 win. This performance marked one of the first times Tatum took over a game and carried his team to victory.
Breakdown:
- 32 points on 12-21 shooting (57.1 FG%)
- 6 rebounds and 2 assists
- Celtics won 102-101
Top 10 Career Games: #9 - 39 Points vs. the Charlotte Hornets (November 7, 2019)
Fast forward to the 2019-2020 season, and Tatum was in full swing. On November 7, 2019, he dropped 39 points against the Charlotte Hornets, including 8 three-pointers. This performance showcased Tatum's improved shooting range and ability to take over games on the perimeter.
Breakdown:
- 39 points on 13-24 shooting (54.2 FG%)
- 5 rebounds and 3 assists
- Celtics won 108-87
Top 10 Career Games: #8 - 41 Points vs. the New Orleans Pelicans (January 11, 2020)
In January 2020, Tatum had one of the most impressive games of his career, scoring 41 points against the New Orleans Pelicans. He shot 15-22 from the field, including 5 three-pointers, and added 6 rebounds and 4 assists.
Breakdown:
- 41 points on 15-22 shooting (68.2 FG%)
- 6 rebounds and 4 assists
- Celtics won 140-105
Top 10 Career Games: #7 - 33 Points vs. the Toronto Raptors (December 28, 2020)
During the 2020-2021 season, Tatum continued to establish himself as one of the top players in the league. On December 28, 2020, he scored 33 points against the Toronto Raptors, including 7 three-pointers. This performance showcased Tatum's ability to adapt to different defensive schemes and exploit weaknesses.
Breakdown:
- 33 points on 11-20 shooting (55 FG%)
- 5 rebounds and 2 assists
- Celtics won 126-114
Top 10 Career Games: #6 - 42 Points vs. the San Antonio Spurs (April 30, 2021)
As the 2020-2021 season drew to a close, Tatum saved one of his best performances for last. On April 30, 2021, he scored 42 points against the San Antonio Spurs, including 7 three-pointers. This game marked one of the highest-scoring outings of Tatum's career and cemented his status as a top-tier NBA player.
Breakdown:
- 42 points on 16-25 shooting (64 FG%)
- 7 rebounds and 3 assists
- Celtics won 143-140
Top 10 Career Games: #5 - 37 Points vs. the Brooklyn Nets (October 27, 2021)
The 2021-2022 season saw Tatum take his game to new heights. On October 27, 2021, he scored 37 points against the Brooklyn Nets, including 7 three-pointers. This performance showcased Tatum's improved playmaking skills and ability to dominate games on the perimeter.
Breakdown:
- 37 points on 13-21 shooting (61.9 FG%)
- 6 rebounds and 5 assists
- Celtics won 119-110
Top 10 Career Games: #4 - 44 Points vs. the Phoenix Suns (December 10, 2021)
On December 10, 2021, Tatum had one of the most impressive games of his career, scoring 44 points against the Phoenix Suns. He shot 16-25 from the field, including 7 three-pointers, and added 7 rebounds and 4 assists.
Breakdown:
- 44 points on 16-25 shooting (64 FG%)
- 7 rebounds and 4 assists
- Celtics won 125-119
Top 10 Career Games: #3 - 51 Points vs. the Washington Wizards (January 23, 2022)
On January 23, 2022, Tatum scored a career-high 51 points against the Washington Wizards. He shot 18-28 from the field, including 9 three-pointers, and added 10 rebounds and 7 assists.
Breakdown:
- 51 points on 18-28 shooting (64.3 FG%)
- 10 rebounds and 7 assists
- Celtics won 116-87
Top 10 Career Games: #2 - 44 Points vs. the Miami Heat (May 23, 2022)
In Game 4 of the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals, Tatum scored 44 points against the Miami Heat. He shot 15-26 from the field, including 7 three-pointers, and added 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
Breakdown:
- 44 points on 15-26 shooting (57.7 FG%)
- 5 rebounds and 4 assists
- Celtics won 116-99
Top 10 Career Games: #1 - 46 Points vs. the Brooklyn Nets (March 6, 2022)
On March 6, 2022, Tatum scored 46 points against the Brooklyn Nets. He shot 17-27 from the field, including 8 three-pointers, and added 9 rebounds and 5 assists.
Breakdown:
- 46 points on 17-27 shooting (63 FG%)
- 9 rebounds and 5 assists
- Celtics won 126-120
Conclusion: Jayson Tatum's Legacy
As we count down Jayson Tatum's top 10 career games, it's clear that he's established himself as one of the premier players in the NBA. With his incredible scoring ability, improved playmaking skills, and dedication to his craft, Tatum has cemented his status as a franchise cornerstone for the Boston Celtics. As he continues to evolve and grow, there's no doubt that we'll see even more impressive performances from this young superstar.
Now it's your turn! Share your thoughts on Jayson Tatum's career and which game you think stands out as his most impressive. Let's get the conversation started in the comments below!
What is Jayson Tatum's career-high in points?
+Jayson Tatum's career-high in points is 51, which he achieved on January 23, 2022, against the Washington Wizards.
How many NBA All-Star appearances has Jayson Tatum made?
+Jayson Tatum has made two NBA All-Star appearances, in 2021 and 2022.
What is Jayson Tatum's average points per game in his NBA career?
+Jayson Tatum's average points per game in his NBA career is 19.1.