Jayson Tatum

Once upon a time the audacious, fresh-faced rookie testing the NBA’s apex talents through developed moves of his own, Jayson Tatum left October 24, 2024 as confirmation that, even as tables have turned, sympathy wouldn’t be shown. Toggled into postseason mode already, the eight-year veteran hunts out a pick-and-roll switch against 2024 No. 2 pick Alex Sarr — fittingly, “only 19-years-old,” and finding his way — before putting on a mixtape-like demonstration through a perfectly-connected string of dribbles. Decidedly done, and ready to free the first-year talent from his misery, Tatum, creating separation both on-floor and through the scorecards, works a behind-the-back, stepback combination, clearing the way for a montage-worthy 3-pointer. Tatum’s showcase during Boston’s road-opener proved just as demonstrative as his first, as the recently-crowned NBA champion provided 25 points (on 9-of-20 shooting), 11 rebounds, six assists, one steal, and three 3-pointers. Following in Tatum’s lead, the Boston Celtics captured a runaway victory over the Wizards, moving to 2-0, and steadily building momentum to what would become a red-hot start to 2024-25.