Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum joined LeBron James as the only NBA players since 1973-74 to lead a single playoff series in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.
In the 2016 NBA Finals against the Warriors, LeBron dominated with 208 points, 79 rebounds, 62 assists, 18 steals, and 16 blocks while playing for the Cavaliers. Recently in the Eastern Conference semifinals against Cleveland, Tatum led with 134 points, 52 rebounds, 31 assists, eight steals, and five blocks.
However…
Donovan Mitchell missed Games 4 and 5 due to a calf strain. Without his injury, he might have joined James in this incredible postseason record. In just three games against Boston before his injury sidelined him, Mitchell scored an impressive tally of points and stats:
Mitchell’s performance shows that anything can happen in the playoffs.
Jayson Tatum’s Unbroken Playoff Streak
In Game 5’s win over Cleveland (113-98), Tatum shone with a near triple-double: he posted 25 points along with ten rebounds and nine assists. He also had four steals in his impressive showing over those intense minutes on court.
Tatum has played every one of Boston’s playoff games since he was drafted—104 games total—the most by any player during this period. The Celtics are now gearing up for their sixth conference finals since Tatum joined them in 2017.
“It just shows our team’s character,” said Tatum. “People think it’s expected we’re here… but we’re all working hard together.”
We always knew teamwork makes dreams work!
JT talks about his relationship with JB and how each of their games have grown together over the years
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics)
Al Horford’s Historic Night
Al Horford also made history during Game 5 by scoring an impressive stat line: he added up to six of Boston’s nineteen three-pointers alongside twenty-two points and fifteen rebounds! This put him among legends like LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as one of few players aged thirty-seven or older achieving such numbers in playoffs history.
“We had a great opportunity at home,” said Horford. “It took more effort than usual… but it’s special.”
The Celtics will face off against either New York Knicks or Indiana Pacers next; currently New York leads their series three-to-two.
This marks Jaylen Brown’s sixth conference finals appearance while it will be Tatum’s fifth time competing at this stage!
