Blue Devil Country

Duke basketball product breaks all-time Celtics record

Jayson Tatum's stats suggest that no Boston Celtics scoring record is safe.

Matt Giles

Duke basketball product breaks all-time Celtics record
Duke basketball product breaks all-time Celtics record /
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Last week, 2016-17 Duke basketball one-and-done Jayson Tatum leapfrogged Paul Pierce and Larry Bird to move to No. 2 on the list of the most points by a Boston Celtics player in the first half of a season.

RELATED: Stacking up all 26 Duke one-and-dones in history

Then earlier this week, the 24-year-old forward passed John Havlicek and now owns the franchise record with his 1,202 points through the team's first 41 games as the Celtics (29-12) carry their NBA-best record into the second half of the season.

Meanwhile, Tatum has a legit shot this year at becoming the first Duke basketball product to win the NBA MVP award. The former No. 3 overall draft pick, now in his sixth year as a pro, has played in all but two games this season, averaging a career-high 30.8 points to go along with 7.9 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.

Havlicek's 2,338 points in 1970-71 remain the most for an entire season in franchise history. And Bird's 29.9 points per game in 1987-88 still stand as the Celtics' scoring-average record.

So clearly, Tatum is in an ideal position to challenge both records. It doesn't hurt that he's entering the second half of the season with a full head of steam; after all, his 32 points in Monday night's 107-99 home win over the Chicago Bulls (19-22) marked his 12th straight appearance scoring 25 or more points.

Next up for Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics is a home game against the New Orleans Pelicans (25-16) at 7:30 p.m. ET Wednesday. As for the Pelicans' Duke basketball talents, Brandon Ingram (toe) and Zion Williamson (hamstring) are still out of commission with injuries.

RELATED: List of every Blue Devil currently in the NBA

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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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