Jayson Tatum

The ratio likely sits somewhere around 1,000-to-1, in regards to the positives versus negatives of being a superstar for NBA history’s most storied franchise. If there were any drawbacks for Jayson Tatum, the “one” might be struggling to find ways to be the first-ever Celtic to accomplish something, given Boston’s 79-year reputation for attaining everything imaginable. In compiling one of the great regular-season performances of his Hall of Fame-bound career, Tatum rose to the occasion — and the rim, as Jalen Smith can attest — in creating exclusive history for himself on December 21, 2024. Eyeing perhaps a measure of getback, given the loss to the Chicago Bulls just two days prior, Tatum responded to the postseason-like scheduling circumstance with matching intensity in a 25-point victory. The forecast called for both thunderous dunks and torrential downpours from deep, as Tatum kept the statisticians busy through a 43-point, 15-rebound, 10-assist sensation, buoyed by elite efficiency from the field (16-of-24) and from downtown (9-of-15). The statline became a one-of-one in the Boston Celtics’ record books, furthering Tatum’s legendary status in Year Eight.