In NBA playoff lore, Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics is etching his name alongside the legends, securing the third spot for most postseason points before turning 27.
Having surpassed the illustrious Tony Parker, Tatum now finds himself chasing the unparalleled greatness of Kobe Bryant (No. 1) and LeBron James (No. 2) in this esteemed ranking.
With a tally of 2,309 points following a notable 22-point display in Game 3 against the Miami Heat, Tatum is in striking distance of Bryant’s 2,694 and James’ 2,578. However, time is ticking as the Celtics star approaches his 27th birthday on March 3, 2025, marking this postseason as his final opportunity to ascend the leaderboard. Tatum’s youth has often been a topic of jest among fans, reflecting on his immense potential since his early days in the league.
Tatum’s playoff prowess was prominently showcased in the 2022 NBA postseason, where he amassed 615 points despite the Celtics’ defeat to the Golden State Warriors in the Finals. Should Boston secure another Finals berth, Tatum stands poised to vault to the summit of this prestigious list, refuting claims that he falters in clutch moments.
Critics, however, point to Tatum’s lack of championship success despite being surrounded by considerable talent throughout his career. Despite seven consecutive playoff appearances and partnering with multiple All-Stars like Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Kyrie Irving, Tatum has only reached the Finals once, fueling skepticism among fans.
Individually, Tatum’s accolades speak volumes, boasting five All-Star selections, three All-NBA nods, and averaging nearly 24 points and 8 rebounds per game throughout his career.
As the Celtics hold a 2-1 advantage over the Heat in their opening-round series, the question looms: will Tatum bolster his legacy with another record (and perhaps a coveted championship ring) this postseason?
