Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum #0 of the U.S. Team warms up at the 2019 Mtn Dew ICE Rising Stars at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, Feb. 15, 2019. Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

KEY POINTS

  • The Boston Celtics enter the All-Star Weekend with an impressive victory over the LA Clippers
  • Jayson Tatum was the team's best player as he tallied 39 points in the double-overtime victory
  • Jayson Tatum could have an All-NBA season if he continues to play like this

Jayson Tatum is one of the rising stars in the NBA. He was selected as the third overall player in the 2017 draft. It was a calculated move by the Boston Celtics front office as they traded down their first pick for more assets. It turns out they would have selected Tatum at first either way.

He is now in his third season and has been on a tear lately with how he’s been playing. He was selected in his first NBA All-Star Game in which he will participate this weekend. His averages have been impressive and the variety on how he has been able to score has left the league on their toes. Couple that with his defensive versatility and the way the Celtics is playing, Tatum could find himself with an All-NBA selection.

Tatum has been averaging 26.5 points per game in February and has been dominating defenders all throughout the season.

In their game before the All-Star Weekend, Tatum was set up against Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers. The Clippers are currently third in the Western Conference with a 37-18 win-loss record. The matchup featured a double-overtime classic between the two teams. The Celtics prevailed thanks to the clutch performance of Tatum. He not only defended Leonard well, but he was also able to hit crucial shots and momentum-swinging plays.

The third-year swingman tallied 39 big points to come along with 9 rebounds and 5 three-pointers. The Celtics won 141-133. This game puts the Celtics at 38-16, good for third place in the Eastern Conference. While Kemba Walker is the best offensive threat of the team, Tatum isn’t far behind in the scoring department.

He’s averaging 22.1 points per game with 6.9 rebounds per outing. He’s been one of their best players in the team and Walker has all praise for him. “He works hard and it’s showing. We’re seeing him grow right in front of our eyes,” said Walker.

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