Jayson Tatum just put on one of the most enthralling playoff performances in a Boston Celtics uniform. Given the history of the franchise, that's definitely saying something.
The Celtics star absolutely gave it to the Brooklyn Nets to take Game 3 and avoid the unescapable 3-0 series hole. Tatum dropped 50 points on 16-for-30 shooting, with six rebounds, seven assists, and five threes for good measure. He also went a stellar 13-for-15 from the free throw line.
Jayson Tatum was so much in the zone for the Celtics, he set his playoff career high of 40 points through just three quarters. But it's no surprise that he was capable of this, as he dropped 50 on Bradley Beal and the Washington Wizards during their play-in tournament game to get to this point.
Tatum. 50 piece.
(via @NBATV)pic.twitter.com/4WN7d6XVqR
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 29, 2021
After Boston was dealt two clear-cut defeats in Game 1 and 2, it looked like Kevin Durant and the Nets had firm control of the series. Everyone knew that the only chance they had to take a game would be if Tatum could outgun Brooklyn's behemoth trio. And boy did he in a Game 3 for the ages.
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant, fresh off his own 47-point outburst, had just a 2-word reaction to the Tatum-led onslaught for the Celtics.
tatum killing
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) May 29, 2021
If Boston has any chance at upsetting the powerhouse Nets, Jayson Tatum has to bring it at this level every single night.