Jayson Tatum takes it right to Joel Embiid - another 20-plus-point game


One of the proven strategies for scoring against shot blockers like Joel Embiid is to challenge them - take it right to them. That is what Jayson Tatum did last night in Boston's 101-98 overtime victory over the 76'ers.

Jayson scored 24 points in 41 minutes of play and his final four points came on two beautiful drives and finishes against Embiid with the game on the line. He was fearless.

Tatum only hit 1-of-4 on three-pointers and 1-of-4 from the foul line, but he was 11-of-17 from the floor with the last two of those 11 shots coming on his drives to the hoop against Joel.

He was also able to take down five rebounds and hand out four assists. Jayson's plus/minus was the highest for either team at +24. This game marked the first time an NBA player has scored 20-or-more points in five consecutive games at 20 years of age or younger.

Jaylen's drives attacking the paint against Embiid bring to mind the Lakers' Gail Goodrich repeatedly, and often successfully, driving the lane against the Celtics Bill Russell. According to SlamOnLine's Alan Paul, Elgin Baylor once told Goodrich, "Gail. you would drive against King Kong!"



Tatum has developed an entire arsenal of moves to add to what he already had at the start of the season. Jams, drives, step-backs, one-legged step-backs, 3-pointers and floaters. He just keeps improving. Looking forward to another 20-plus game from him on Monday.

Follow Tom at TomLaneHC

Photo via Matt Stone/Boston Herald


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