In a captivating showdown at the TD Garden, Jayson Tatum showcased his brilliance and led the Boston Celtics to a resounding victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, securing their spot in the Eastern Conference finals. Tatum’s historic performance of 51 points in Game 7 set a new NBA record, surpassing Stephen Curry’s 50-point feat just two weeks prior.

Tatum’s exceptional display left the crowd in awe as he effortlessly outscored the entire Sixers team during the third quarter alone. With each shot, Tatum’s confidence soared, and he couldn’t contain his exhilaration, expressing, “This is my s—” to the roaring Boston fans.

The Celtics guard delivered a mesmerizing performance, going 17-of-28 from the field, while also contributing 13 rebounds and five assists. He joined the elite ranks of NBA players to achieve a 50-10-5 stat line in a playoff game, solidifying his status as a rising star in the league.

Teammate Marcus Smart described Tatum’s performance as a blockbuster movie, urging fans to savor the moment. Tatum’s outstanding showing came as a redemption after a subpar performance in Game 6, where he struggled with his shooting. Determined to bounce back, Tatum exploded onto the court, leaving a lasting mark on Celtics’ history.

Throughout the game, Tatum showcased his versatility, scoring all 51 points in the half court against a variety of defenders, including the formidable Joel Embiid, who was crowned the 2023 NBA MVP. Tatum’s electrifying performance even prompted the crowd to chant “MVP” in his honor.

Reflecting on his turnaround from the previous game, Tatum emphasized the importance of relaxing and enjoying the game. He admitted feeling overly pressured and locked in during Game 6 but found his rhythm by focusing on having fun and disregarding external expectations.

Despite the Sixers’ early lead in the first quarter and their stars struggling to find their form, the Celtics seized control of the game in the third quarter. Outscoring the Sixers 33-10 during that period, Tatum single-handedly propelled his team to an insurmountable advantage.

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla praised the team’s resilience and ability to maintain emotional composure throughout the series. The Celtics’ remarkable comeback from a 3-2 deficit marked their seventh triumph when facing such adversity, a record in NBA history.

Looking ahead, the Celtics now prepare for a challenging matchup against the Miami Heat in the conference finals. Tatum acknowledged the Heat’s competitive nature and emphasized the excitement and intensity that lie ahead.

With the top seeds eliminated in the conference, the Celtics emerge as favorites to secure victory against the Heat. The team’s unity and collective determination, fueled by the motto “unfinished business,” have been instrumental in their quest for redemption following their defeat in last year’s NBA Finals.

As the Celtics celebrated their hard-fought victory, the resounding chant of “Beat the Heat” reverberated throughout the arena, signifying their unyielding focus on the next challenge.

By: Frederik Poulsen