Future superstar Jayson Tatum takes control in Celtics win over Thunder


Okay, where do we start? This might have been Jayson Tatum's best game of the season, notching a double-double on 23 points and 11 boards, both team highs. His other team highs? Shooting percentage on field goals and three-pointers (66.7% and 50%, respectively) - plus/minus of +23 - offensive and net ratings. Jayson certainly took control last night, leading to a down-to-the-wire 100-99 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.


Tatum was scoring from all over the court. He keeps getting better at driving into the lane which has opened up his opportunities from any distance. Corey Brewer played him for the drive and paid the price.


His drives do not only open up opportunities for his outside shots, opponents are now collapsing on him, allowing Tatum to find open teammates. He had a great assist leading to Marcus Morris' game-winning shot. Watch how Jayson picks up first one defender - then two - then three - then ends up surrounded by all five of Oklahoma City's crew.




When potential future trades are broached, I never seriously put Jayson into the mix. He has had Star written all over him since he first took the floor as a Celtic. With the numerous injuries to his teammates, Tatum is handling the increased focus on his production as a challenge, and he is responding nicely. Superstardom awaits.

Follow Tom at @TomLaneHC

Photo via Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images
Video via MLG Highlights




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