A Jayson Tatum masterclass propelled the Boston Celtics to secure a league-record 18th National Basketball Association (NBA) championship after recording a 106-88 win over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 of the 2023/24 Finals at the TD Garden on Tuesday, June 18 (Philippine Standard Time).
Jayson Tatum gave a performance worthy for a champion. He scored 31 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and gave out an incredible 11 assists. The recently named NBA Finals MVP, Jaylen Brown, contributed 21 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists to provide vital support. The fact that the win occurs on the 16th anniversary of the Celtics' 17th title lends even more significance to the celebrations that evening.
While Brown got Finals MVP title, Tatum's contributions throughout the playoffs were nothing short of phenomenal. Averaging 22.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.0 steals per game during the Finals, Tatum showcased his all-around brilliance. However, his true mark on history came with a less celebrated but equally impressive achievement.
The 26-year-old joined an illustrious NBA list following the conclusion of Game 5 of the NBA finals, becoming only the sixth player in the leagueโs history to lead his team in playoff points, rebounds, and assists while leading his team to the championship.
Jayson Tatum is the 6th player in NBA history to lead his team in playoff points, rebounds, and assists while winning the title:
— DraftKings (@DraftKings) June 18, 2024
๐ Jayson Tatum (2024)
๐ Nikola Jokic (2023)
๐ LeBron James (2012, 2013, 2016)
๐ Tim Duncan (2003)
๐ Hakeem Olajuwon (1994)
๐ Larry Bird (1984) pic.twitter.com/x3PCobej4G
The other five players to achieve this feat in NBA history are Larry Bird (1984), Hakeem Olajuwon (1994), Tim Duncan (2003), LeBron James (2012, 2013, 2016), and Nikola Jokic (2023).
In fact, the NBAโs all-time record scorer, LeBron James, is the only player to achieve this feat thrice, which highlights the impact he has had for his teams and why he is widely recognized as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Tatum was a subject of criticism in the past for not being able to step up and win the NBA championship, and now after he has finally achieved his dream, it will be intriguing to see whether the small forward can continue this cycle of success with the Celtics.
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