Why Jayson Tatum has special motivation for next 50-point game

Share

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum put on a show in Friday night's 145-136 overtime win over the Minnesota Timberwolves by scoring a career-high 53 points.

Tatum connected on 16 of his 25 shot attempts -- including a 6-for-10 mark from 3-point range -- and hit 15 of his 16 free throws, along with a team-leading 10 rebounds.

Forsberg: What we liked about Tatum's career night, beyond the points

The performance electrified the TD Garden crowd, but one person who wasn't able to be there was Tatum's young son, Deuce.

Tatum was asked about it after the game, and he explained that Deuce's absence gives him even more motivation to have another 50-point game when his son is in attendance.

"He wasn't here, but he called me after the game and told me, 'congrats,'" Tatum said in his postgame press conference. "It just means I'll have to do it again someday, and he'll be there next time."

Tatum's 53 points are the third-most in a single game in Celtics history, trailing only Hall of Fame forwards Larry Bird (60) and Kevin McHale (58).

Contact Us