Tatum on historic Christmas outing: ‘It’s something I never want to take for granted’
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On Sunday evening Jayson Tatum became just the third Boston Celtics player to ever score 40 points or more on Christmas Day as Boston defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 139-118. A massive dunk over Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo was the highlight of the night, but Tatum was excellent all game long.
Tatum ended the game with 41 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. Only Tommy Heinsohn has ever scored more points Christmas Day in Celtics history. Heinsohn dropped 45 back in 1961 against the Syracuse Nationals. Kyrie Irving, the third name on the list, had 40 back in 2018.
After the game, Celtics Wire asked Tatum is he ever considers his place in Celtics history given his scoring outburst Sunday afternoon.
“Do I ever think about it?” Tatum said. “No, just because we have so much history, all the banners, and so many retired numbers that it feels like those guys just accomplished so much.”
“Myself and the other guys, we’re trying to get there. But it’s hard to think in the moment at 24 that I have a place in Celtic history.”
Celtics Wire also asked Tatum about playing on Christmas. Tatum has played on Christmas Day each year he’s played in the league.
“It’s definitely an honor,” Tatum said. “I’ve said many times how much I enjoy playing here, and what it means to play on Christmas. It’s something I never want to take for granted.”
“As a kid that was part of the tradition. Eat, be with family, and watch the games. I’d try to envision myself playing up there one day. And now I get to do that.”
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