Everything was on the line for the Boston Celtics on Friday night.
The team knew that if they lost against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 6, the season was over.
They weren’t ready to let that happen.
More specifically, Jayson Tatum wasn’t ready to let that happen.
Most points in an elimination game in Celtics history:
47 — Sam Jones
46 — Paul Pierce
46 — Jayson Tatum pic.twitter.com/fvLLV771ku— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 14, 2022
Tatum scored 46 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists in Game 6, helping secure the win and force a Game 7.
His 46 points now rank among the very best in Celtics history.
He now sits in second place for the most points in elimination games in Celtics history.
Only Sam Jones has more with 47 points.
Does this mean that Tatum is now one of the greatest Celtics in history?
Towering Tatum
Jason Tatum has never had a bad season with the Celtics.
His first season was his weakest, with 13.9 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists.
From there, he’s only gone up and up and up.
This season, the forward averaged 26.9 points, 8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists – all career highs.
In the last few weeks, Tatum has come to life even more as his team has pushed through the playoffs.
He has stepped it up with an average of 28.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists.
Tatum has also improved his leadership skills and played with intensity and drive during every single game.
To say that Tatum has been a major part of the team’s postseason success is a huge understatement.
But he will have to keep up the good work because the Celtics are once again facing an elimination game.
Whoever wins Game 7 will move onto the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat.
Game 6 was a massive elimination game but Game 7 will be even bigger.
You can expect a whole lot of fireworks on Sunday.
