During last season’s All-Star weekend in Indianapolis, Jayson Tatum met Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird for the first time. Fast forward to Wednesday night, and Tatum, now a champion, etched his name alongside Bird in the history books after the Celtics’ 122-102 win over the Washington Wizards.
The victory kept the Celtics undefeated at 2-0, with Tatum leading the charge. He recorded 25 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, earning some rest in the fourth quarter. This performance made Tatum just the second player in NBA history to accumulate at least 62 points, 15 rebounds, and 16 assists in the first two games of a season. The other player to achieve this milestone? Larry Bird.
“I’m just trying to continue to dominate all aspects of the game,” Tatum said, referring to Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla’s message. “That includes screening, cutting, creating advantages for my teammates, and making plays on both ends.”
Tatum shot 9-of-20 from the field, despite struggling from beyond the arc with just 3-of-11 shooting from three-point range. He also had an impressive matchup with Washington’s 7-foot rookie, Alex Sarr, a standout from the 2024 draft. Tatum delivered a brutal step-back three on Sarr in the second quarter, leaving the rookie with a forgettable debut performance (2 points on 7 shots).
Despite the glittering championship ring he earned last season, Tatum remains hungry for more. His drive, fueled by a summer of criticism and a new $315 million contract, has propelled his early season performances. Washington became the latest victim in Tatum’s pursuit of excellence.
Tatum’s focus hasn’t waned, especially after last year’s near-miss in the postseason and frustrations with USA Basketball. His commitment to getting better each day is evident in his early season dominance.
“We approach everything the same, always looking to improve,” Tatum said. “We respect every opponent and every practice, and I think it’s paying off. It’s going to be tougher this year, but we’re on the
right track.”
