Blue Devil Country

Duke Basketball Pro Powers Celtics to Record-Setting Home Win

Duke basketball one-and-done Jayson Tatum played the hero role for Boston again.

Matt Giles

Photo credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
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On Wednesday night, former Duke basketball forward Jayson Tatum, a lock to earn his fifth straight NBA All-Star nod and get a chance to defend his All-Star MVP crown, led the NBA-leading Boston Celtics (29-8) to their franchise-record 18th consecutive home win to start the season.

The Celtics defeated the Western Conference frontrunner Minnesota Timberwolves (26-11) in overtime, 127-120, on the back of Tatum's 45 points, tying his season-high. He shot 13-for-26 from the field, 6-for-11 from three, and 13-for-14 at the foul line, adding four rebounds, two assists, and one steal across his 42 minutes on the floor.

Not only did Tatum score 18 of Boston's final 25 points after the team trailed by seven with under three minutes to play in regulation, but the 25-year-old St. Louis native also singlehandedly outscored the Timberwolves in overtime, 12-9.

Minnesota's Duke basketball product, seldom-used reserve forward Wendell Moore Jr., did not receive any playing time in the contest.

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Through Jayson Tatum's 34 outings for the 2023-24 Celtics, this season's most prolific NBA Blue Devil is averaging 28.0 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists while shooting a career-high 48.0 percent from the field.

Tatum, who was drafted No. 3 overall by Boston in 2017 following his one-and-done campaign in Durham, and the Celtics are now on the road to face the Milwaukee Bucks (25-12) at 7:30 p.m. ET Thursday.

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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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