The defending Eastern Conference champion Boston Celtics are 2-0, and their star duo is already making history.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown each scored 35 points in the opening game of the NBA season.
Then on Friday, Tatum scored 29 points, and Brown had 28 in the 111-104 victory at FTX Arena in Miami.
In doing so, Tatum and Brown made Celtics history:
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are the second duo Celtics history to score 25 points in each of their team's first 2 games of a season.
They join Robert Parish and Larry Bird, who did this in 1984-85. pic.twitter.com/lG62GWwAiN
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) October 22, 2022
It has been a couple of very strong performances by the top two players on the Celtics.
Boston played very well against the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat, two teams that were contenders last year.
Although it was the bench that got the Celtics over the hump on Friday, it is Tatum and Brown who are leading this team.
The hope for Celtics fans is that these two leaders can bring Boston to its 18th title.
Inside The Duo’s Tremendous Start
Tatum has already shown his ability to succeed on both sides of the court.
On Friday, he stuffed Tyler Herro‘s shot, as the Celtics ended the quarter with a 12-point lead.
Jayson Tatum's offense will put in him in MVP consideration. To win the award, Tatum has to shine on defense too. This is some MVP defense. Tatum helps on the drive, closes out hard to the corner, then stays in front of Tyler Herro, before finishing the play with the huge block. pic.twitter.com/yjAOWwovoG
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) October 22, 2022
Tatum also has already gotten to the free throw line for 16 attempts this season.
Meanwhile, Brown’s frequency at the free throw line is not as strong as Tatum’s.
However, he is making up for it when shooting from the field.
Here is how Brown has shot thus far this season:
- Tuesday vs. Philadelphia: 14-for-24 (.583)
- Friday at Miami: 12-for-18 (.667)
Foul trouble hindered Brown a bit on Friday, as he played 34 minutes compared to almost 39 minutes on Tuesday.
There are a lot of good signs for this Celtics team, and the offense has been looking strong.
Something that cannot be said about the Celtics in the first half of the 2021-22 season.
NEXT: A Fierce NBA Rivalry Returns On Friday