There is just something about Jayson Tatum and the NBA playoffs. The Boston Celtics star often shines brighter than crisp spring morning this time of year.
Tatum, 28, once again defied logic in the Celtics’ 32-point road victory over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 4 of the first round Sunday night.
After pouring in 25 points in a pair of dagger 3-points in Game 3, Tatum followed up with a 30-point, 11-assist outing. Don’t forget he did it on just 16 shots and converted at a 50% clip from both the field and the 3-point line.
Talk about efficiency.
More importantly, the Celtics nabbed a critical win and pushed their series lead to a commanding 3-1. Unless rare history comes knocking, the Celtics appear ready to move on to the second round. They’ll need to finish the job tomorrow night at home.
Jayson Tatum Ticks Another Milestone in Budding Hall of Fame Career
He could be on his way, he could already be there — Tatum is going to be enshrined in Springfield some day. His latest playoff accomplishment backs that up.
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 26: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates a three-pointer during the second half of game four of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 26, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
Racking up a remarkable 35th career playoff game with at least 30 points last night, Tatum continues to build his postseason legacy. The outstanding performance in the Game 4 win pushed Tatum to No. 28 all time in playoff scoring, tying him with future Hall of Famer Russell Westbrook.
@TheDunkCentral on X wrote: “Jayson Tatum just tied Russell Westbrook in all-time playoff scoring. He now has more career playoff points than James Worthy, Chris Paul, Klay Thompson, Reggie Miller, Clyde Drexler, Charles Barkley, Ray Allen, Isiah Thomas, Kevin Garnett, Allen Iverson, Jason Kidd, and Gary Payton. Already a Hall of Famer at age 28.”
Those are quite the names Tatum has surpassed. He’s done that in just nine seasons. One can argue the 28-year-old Boston star is just now entering his prime.
Another Applause-Worthy Moment
Perhaps we are all taking for granted what we are watching. Perhaps we’ve been spoiled.
Tatum should not be able to do what he is doing right now … not less than a year after tearing his Achilles tendon, an injury synonymous with career-ending.
Yet here he is scoring 30 points in a hostile road environment, out-doing his NBA MVP candidate teammate Jaylen Brown.
“I just wanted to be out there with my teammates,” Tatum said Sunday, reflecting on his Achilles rehab. “I’m beyond thankful and grateful that I get that opportunity every game.”
It has all been about soaking in the moment and taking solace in simply being able to play again. And while he’s doing that, his play on the court is quickly beginning to resemble that of his All-Star self, the player who helped lead the Celtics to the mountaintop two years ago.
As the playoffs continue and the pressure rises, there will be plenty of opportunities ahead for Tatum to keep on defying the odds.
When the going gets tough, the Celtics will turn to the five-time All-NBA and six-time All-Star forward to lead the way.
The next step is to win Game 5 on Tuesday night.
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