Inside The Celtics

Jayson Tatum Plays Entire Second Half vs. Suns: 'Don't Really Say That Many Times'

Jayson Tatum, who refused to spend a second on the bench in the second half of Saturday's win, made Celtics history in their victory vs. the Suns.

Bobby Krivitsky

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
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Jayson Tatum made Celtics history in Boston's 117-107 win over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night.

The five-time All-Star stuffed the stat sheet with a team-high 29 points, ten rebounds, seven assists, and a steal. He also drilled five of the nine threes he hoisted.

According to Stat Muse, in registering his eighth career game with at least 25 points, five makes from beyond the arc, ten rebounds, and five assists, Tatum has now done so more than any other player in franchise history.

It took a while for the two-time All-NBA First Team selection to find his rhythm, entering halftime with seven points on 3/10 shooting. But with Kevin Durant erupting for 25 of his 45 points after intermission, converting on 10/13 attempts, Tatum refused to spend a second on the bench.

Eventually, water found its level, and he generated 22 points, knocking down 4/7 threes in the second half, helping the Celtics fend off the Durant-led comeback bid by the Suns.

"Felt like I was getting into a rhythm at some point," said the former Duke Blue Devil after the victory. "But I would make a couple (of) shots, then miss like three (or) four. And the game was starting to get competitive and things like that, I just wanted to stay in. I don't really say that many times, but I just told Joe, "I want to stay in the rest of the game.'"

Further Reading

Jaylen Brown's Evolution Crucial to Celtics' Desire to Win with More Than Talent

Celtics Embracing Challenge to Go Beyond Most Talented

Jayson Tatum Opens Up About Sacrificing in Celtics' Title Pursuit: 'It's a Process'

Brad Stevens Discusses Celtics' Plan for Final Roster Spot

Marcus Smart Shares How Boston Shaped Him, His Message to Celtics Fans

Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'

Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'

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Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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