Boston Celtics followers have been delighted to see the return of Jayson Tatum to the lineup in Sunday’s win over the Washington Wizards.
Tatum data double-double on return, main all scorers in Washington
Tatum’s game-high 28 factors noticed the Celtics seize their second consecutive victory and transfer to inside a recreation of the Cleveland Cavaliers on the prime of the Japanese Convention.
The 26-year-old, famend for his spectacular sturdiness, had missed two of Boston’s earlier 4 video games in uncharacteristic style with a knee harm.
Described as ‘proper knee tendinopathy’ by the group, Tatum took eight days off earlier than Sunday’s win in Washington and following a chilly capturing begin, he grew into the sport properly.
After the ultimate buzzer in DC, Tatum advised reporters within the locker room:
“Feeling good. A pair days off helped, for certain. And it’s simply one thing that type of comes and goes. One thing I’ve handled earlier than that, you recognize, I’ll be tremendous.”
Jayson Tatum off the bounce 💥
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Tatum surpasses Anthony Davis to change into eleventh all-time main scorer earlier than turning 27
With 28 factors on the evening, Tatum moved into eleventh place within the all-time main scorers checklist earlier than turning 27 – and he may nonetheless transfer up just a few locations earlier than his birthday in March.
Tatum (12,528) is respiratory down the necks of Devin Booker (12,720), Giannis Antetokounmpo (12,899), Michael Jordan (12,908) and Bob McAdoo (12,918) – and with 36 video games left earlier than he turns 28, one other few overtakes are potential.
Assuming Tatum performs in all 36 video games to go and maintains his common of 28.2 factors an evening, he may surpass Wilt Chamberlain (13,355) to change into sixth on the checklist.
With an enormous effort, he may doubtlessly take fifth spot from Tracy McGrady (13,570). These numbers are a testomony to the unbelievable manufacturing Tatum has given the Celtics ever since he entered the league in 2017.
In keeping with the greatest on-line sportsbooks, the Celtics are favored to go back-to-back below Tatum’s wing and change into the primary repeat champions because the Golden State Warriors in 2017 and 2018.