Jayson Tatum Not Taking for Granted Becoming 5-Time All-Star at 25: 'Doesn't Seem Real at Times'

After leading the Celtics to a decisive win over the Heat, Jayson Tatum, who will start in the All-Star Game for the fourth-straight year, shared how much the honor means to him.

The Boston Celtics had a franchise-historic win over their rival Miami Heat on Thursday night, 143-110. Prior to the win, Jayson Tatum was named to his fifth All-Star game, getting his fourth start.

Tatum spoke at length postgame about what it means to him, now getting the recognition he had imagined about growing up.

"I never get used to it; I never want to take it for granted," Tatum said, per Inside The Celtics. "As a kid, it was my dream. I watched All-Star Weekend every year growing up and just dreamed about one day being in the game. So, to be voted in as a starter, fifth year straight in the game, doesn't seem real at times, thanks to all the fans."

This is Tatum's fifth All-Star selection, all by the age of 25, as he is now averaging 27 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, shooting 46.8 percent from the field and 36.2 from three. Leading the C's to the NBA's best record, Tatum was the third overall fan-vote leader league-wide among all positions, behind Giannis Antetokounmpo and LeBron James.

"So many guys they could have voted for; you know, to continue to get voted one of the top guys is pretty cool," he said. "I think it's important to celebrate those small wins throughout the season. Obviously, there's more things you want to accomplish, but being an All-Star never gets old, and I'm very grateful for that."

Further Reading

Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'

Here's What Stood Out as Celtics Top Heat in One of Their Best Performances This Season

Celtics Finding Joy in Basketball and Each Other's Company: 'We've Been Blessed'

Fixated on Winning, Jayson Tatum Again Proves He's Not 'Bored Making the Right Play Over and Over'

Ime Udoka Assesses Tatum and Brown's Growth Since Coaching Them: 'A Lot of Potential That I Haven't Tapped Into'

Jrue Holiday Responds to Celtics Saying He's Sacrificing Most: 'Not Mad at My Situation'

Brad Stevens Shares What Celtics Are Looking to Add and How He Hopes to Do So

Derrick White Opens Up About Journey from Uncertainty He Belonged in the NBA to an All-Star Caliber Guard

Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'

Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'