Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum made headlines in Game 5 of the NBA Finals by breaking a significant playoff record previously held by Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant. Tatum’s 16 points in the first half propelled him past Bryant on the all-time playoff scoring list for players aged 26 or younger, according to Basketball Reference’s StatHead.
This milestone holds special significance for Tatum, as Bryant was his basketball idol and the two shared a close relationship. Bryant had accumulated 2,694 postseason points before turning 27, a record that stood until Tatum’s performance in Game 5. Tatum entered the game with 2,680 career playoff points and surpassed Bryant with a three-pointer at the end of the first half, bringing his game total to 16 points.
Jayson Tatum the side-step triple!
🏆 Game 5 on ABC 🏆 pic.twitter.com/9bmwu57LPi
— NBA (@NBA) June 18, 2024
Tatum’s impressive start to Game 5 was notable not only for his scoring but also for his ability to involve his teammates. Despite facing shooting struggles earlier in the series, Tatum continued to facilitate plays, maintaining his role as a team player even amid his scoring outburst.
The race for the NBA Finals MVP award remains tight, with many considering Tatum’s co-star Jaylen Brown as the best player throughout the series. However, Tatum has emphasized that his primary focus is on securing an NBA championship rather than individual accolades.
As one of the NBA’s elite players, Tatum’s latest achievement of surpassing his idol Kobe Bryant on the playoff scoring list further cements his place in basketball history.
