‘It’s hard to put into words’: Jayson Tatum reacts to his 53-point performance

Tatum became the youngest Celtic to score 50 points in a game.


Jayson Tatum placed on a special performance Friday night.

The Celtics’ young star scored 53 points within the team’s 145-136 overtime convert the Timberwolves. Tatum made 16 of 25 shots and hit 6 of 10 3-pointers to offer him a replacement career-high and his first 50-point game.

“You know, scoring 50 may be a big thing during this league, especially at this age,” Tatum told reporters after the sport . “It’ll be an evening I’ll always remember – first 50-point game. We got the win on top of that. Big win. Every win immediately is big. So, we’ll take it.”


Tatum’s performance on Friday had some history thereto . At 23 years old, Tatum became the youngest player in Celtics history to attain 50 points during a game. it had been also the foremost points scored by a Celtic during a regular-season game since Larry Bird scored 60 points in 1985, per ESPN Stats & Info.

“It’s hard to place into words,” Tatum said when it had been mentioned that Bird had his first 50-point game at nearly an equivalent point of his career. “Anytime you’re mentioned in any category with someone like that, one among the best players ever, is an honor.”


There were a few of key components to Tatum scoring a career-high. one among them was free throws. Tatum was aggressive in his drives to the rim, giving him 16 foul shot attempts, also a career-high, on the night. He took advantage of these opportunities, hitting 15 of them.

Tatum, who’s averaging just 4.4 free-throw attempts per game this season, knew he had to be more aggressive Friday night.

“Attacking the ring a touch bit more,” Tatum said of his mindset. “And knowing things as far because the bonus and taking advantage of that.”

Another important aspect in Tatum getting 53 points was receiving help from his teammates. One instance of that came within the closing moments of the fourth quarter, when Jaylen Brown was on their lonesome on a quick break and had a simple opportunity for 2 points. However, Brown dished the ball off to a trailing Tatum to assist put the Celtics up by three points.

“That was big,” Tatum said of the play. “Everybody recognized how special that was of him, knowing the night i used to be having.”

“That just shows the expansion altogether folks ,” Tatum later added. “We enjoy each other’s success.”

The bucket represented two of Tatum’s 37 last half and overtime points. Tatum’s second-half and overtime takeover helped him to still cement his place as a star within the NBA. However, Tatum says he’s just happy to possess a spot within the league.

“I just grew up eager to be within the NBA once I was a child , ” Tatum said. “Now, living out my dream at a high level, that’s quite I ever could have wished for.”

There was only one thing missing for Tatum from Friday’s game: his son, Deuce. While Deuce wasn’t there, Tatum still heard from him after the sport .

“He called me after the sport and told me congrats,” Tatum said. “Just means I’ll need to roll in the hay again someday and he’ll be there next time.”