Duke basketball product leads NBA in points entering All-Star break

Duke basketball's Jayson Tatum is arguably the world's most durable scorer.

Matt Giles | Feb 16, 2023

Duke basketball product leads NBA in points entering All-Star break /

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Let's assume Giannis Antetokounmpo doesn't score 192 points or more for the Milwaukee Bucks in their road game against the Chicago Bulls on Thursday night. In that case, former Duke basketball one-and-done and current Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum will be the NBA's points leader entering the All-Star break.

Tatum's 38 points in Wednesday night's 127-109 home win over the Detroit Pistons pushed his total to 1,685. That is 19 points more than No. 2 on this season's list, Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic. And it blows away Boston's previous pre-All-Star franchise record of 1,583 points by Isaiah Thomas.

38 PTS
9 REB
7 AST
5 3PM

Jayson Tatum and the Celtics get the home W. pic.twitter.com/lK9lZAfR4w
— NBA (@NBA) February 16, 2023

However, Tatum ranks only No. 6 in the league this season with his 30.6 points per game. So credit his durability — he's missed only four games for the league-leading Celtics — for putting him on top in total points.

Meanwhile, the 24-year-old, now in his sixth season as a pro since going No. 3 at the 2017 NBA Draft, is also averaging career-highs with 8.6 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.

On Saturday night, Jayson Tatum will make his second all-time appearance in the NBA 3-Point Contest.

Then at 8 p.m. ET Sunday, he and fellow Duke basketball talent Kyrie Irving, now with the Mavericks, will be starters in the All-Star Game (another NBA Blue Devil, New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson, was a voted-in starter but will not play due to a lingering hamstring injury).

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country for daily Duke basketball content.

Published Feb 16, 2023

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.