The Boston Celtics are looking to win the Eastern Conference again this season.
After losing to the Golden State Warriors in six games, the NBA Finals are well within reach once again.
On Thursday night, the Celtics made a massive statement to the rest of the league.
Facing off against the Milwaukee Bucks, the Celtics played arguably their best game of the year.
The game was a blowout from the start as the Celtics ended up winning 140-99.
One player that deserves plenty of credit for this win is forward Jayson Tatum.
He is the Celtics’ best player and scored 40 points matching up against Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Many people think Antetokounmpo is the best player in the world.
But, Kendrick Perkins believes that Tatum is sitting at the same table.
.@KendrickPerkins believes Tatum is on the same tier as Giannis 👀
"Giannis is the best player in the world, but it's not by far. You have multiple guys that are sitting at the same dinner table ordering the same entrées as Giannis, and Jayson Tatum is one of them." pic.twitter.com/gdRFGP6QWr
— First Take (@FirstTake) March 31, 2023
This was an impressive performance by Tatum, but he still has a lot to accomplish in the league.
Antetokounmpo is a two-time league MVP, and he has won a championship.
Tatum fell apart in last year’s NBA Finals, and that has to be taken into account when ranking him.
While Tatum is a better outside shooter than Giannis, that might be the only thing he does better.
Antetokounmpo is dominant while the ball is in his hands, and is an elite rebounder.
Also, the Greek Freak is one of the best defenders in the NBA.
It will be interesting to see if these teams meet up in the Eastern Conference Finals this year.
If Tatum was able to best Giannis again in the playoffs, people may look at him differently.
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