Blue Devil Country

Former Duke Basketball Forward Delivers Historic NBA Stat Line

Duke basketball pro Jayson Tatum absolutely sizzled and more in Chicago.

Matt Giles

Former Duke basketball forward Jayson Tatum
Former Duke basketball forward Jayson Tatum / Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
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In a 123-98 road win over the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night, 2016-17 Duke basketball one-and-done and Boston Celtics MVP contender Jayson Tatum posted 43 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists while shooting 16-for-24 from the field, 9-for-15 from three, and 2-for-2 at the charity stripe across his 36 minutes on the floor.

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With that effort, the 26-year-old Tatum became the first player in NBA history to tally at least 40 points, 15 boards, and 10 dimes while shooting 60 percent from 3-point land in a game.

Through 26 outings for the defending NBA champion Celtics (22-6), Tatum is averaging 28.8 points, most among NBA Blue Devils this season and his second-highest mark in what is already a decorated professional career. Plus, he's recording a career-high 9.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists per contest.

On Friday, the five-time NBA All-Star from St. Louis dropped one notch to No. 5 on the Kia MVP Ladder. He now sits below Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the early frontrunner in Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic.

Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics remain on the road for a showdown against the Orlando Magic at 7 p.m. ET Monday. The Magic boasts two Duke basketball talents in starting center Wendell Carter Jr. and centerpiece forward Paolo Banchero, but Banchero is still recovering from an oblique injury and hasn't suited up since late October.

RELATED: Complete List of Former Duke Players Currently in the NBA

Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more Duke basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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