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Jayson Tatum's 2020-21 NBA season was nothing short of exceptional, even as the Boston Celtics did not have a relatively successful season. The 23-year-old had to carry the team by himself, especially after Jaylen Brown was sidelined due to a wrist injury.
The Boston Celtics crashed out of the 2021 NBA playoffs in the first round after an encounter with the Brooklyn Nets. After a 36-36 regular-season run, Jayson Tatum led the charge over the Washington Wizards in the play-in tournament to secure their playoff berth.
Tatum has been a bright spark for the Boston Celtics since his rookie season, leading them to four consecutive playoff qualifications.
The 2020-21 NBA season was one where Jayson Tatum proved himself to be one of the best young players in the league. The 2017 3rd overall pick finished the season with career-high averages in points (26.4), rebounds (7.4), and assists (4.3).
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It was a fulfilling 2020-21 NBA season for Jayson Tatum, who was called up to join Team USA for the Tokyo Olympics men's basketball tournament.
As we anticipate another thrilling season from Tatum, let's take a look at his top five performances from the 2020-21 NBA season.
#5 44 points against Golden State Warriors
NBA Fans were treated to a riveting individual battle when the Boston Celtics faced off against the Golden State Warriors on April 17. Jayson Tatum and Stephen Curry traded buckets for buckets all game long.
Although Curry won the individual battle, the Celtics won the game with a five-point differential. Jayson Tatum shot an efficient 64% from the field, converting on 16 of 25 attempts. He also went 5-of-9 from beyond the arc and missed on free-throw in eight attempts.
Jayson Tatum recorded his eighth double-double of the season with 44 points, ten rebounds, three assists and two steals. He also had a +12 in the plus/minus column in what was his second-highest scoring game at the time.
#4 50 points against the Washington Wizards
The Boston Celtics needed to overcome the Washington Wizards to secure the 7th seed in the Eastern Conference. Jayson Tatum was to battle the duo of Russell Westbrook and Bradley Beal without Brown.
It was an inspiring outing for Tatum, who put 50 past the Wizards in their 118-100 victory. Although he shot below 50% from the field, converting only 14 of his 32 attempts, his free-throw shooting was impeccable as he converted on all 17 tries.
The Wizards put up a good fight but were no match for Jayson Tatum and the Celtics. As a result, the C's were scheduled to square off against the Brooklyn Nets.
#3 50 points against the Brooklyn Nets
Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics were on the receiving end of the Eastern Conference superteam as they went 0-2 down in the series. The Brooklyn Nets asserted their dominance early on in the 2021 NBA playoffs, winning the first two games at the Barclays Center by healthy margins.
However, the Celtics were determined to turn things around in the series. Jayson Tatum left early in Game 2 after he was hit in the eye by Kevin Durant. Fortunately, he came back better in Game 3 and led the C's to their first win in the series. Although it was a ray of hope, the Nets shut them down with victories in Games 4 and 5.
It was more of a memorable night for Tatum as he put in an impressive performance at TD Garden. He registered 50 points on 16 of 30 shooting to lead the Celtics to a 125-119 victory.
#2 53 points against Minnesota Timberwolves
In Game 53 of the Boston Celtics' 2020-21 campaign, Jayson Tatum reached his first 50-point milestone for the season. It was the first of many as he recorded a 50-point double-double.
Jayson Tatum demolished the Minnesota Timberwolves in a 145-136 win at TD Garden. He was clearly the best man on the floor with a field goal percentage of .640 and .600 from the three-point line.
Tatum's takeover couldn't have come in a better game as he led them back from a double-digit second-half deficit to an intriguing overtime victory.
#1 60 points against the San Antonio Spurs
Jayson Tatum successfully recorded a career-high 60 points in an overtime win against the San Antonio Spurs on April 30. His 60-point game was the second in franchise history behind Larry Bird's explosion on March 12, 1985.
It was another record-breaking night in the NBA as Jayson Tatum led the Celtics to overcome a 29-point second-half deficit, the second-largest in NBA history. At one point in the game, the Celtics trailed by 32.
On a night where Jaylen Brown shot an awful 5 of 24, Jayson Tatum went 20 of 37 from the field and knocked down five 3's in seven attempts. It was an all-around masterpiece to lead the Celtics to a narrow 143-140 win.
