Jayson Tatum’s high-level performance against the Spurs on Wednesday ensured that the Celtics would get a 116-103 home win even while missing two starters.
It’s become an almost assumed status for Tatum, that he will continue to be consistent as a franchise player even as the season hasn’t been a spotless title defense to this point for Boston.
His stat line from Wednesday told a simpler story: 32 points, 14 rebounds, seven assists. It drew praise from former Celtic (and now ESPN analyst) Kendrick Perkins on NBA Countdown, who also noted that Tatum raises the level of his teammates.