Jayson Tatum Reacts to Joel Embiid's 52 Point Game Against Boston Celtics
On Tuesday night, the Boston Celtics suffered a 103-101 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. The spotlight was on Joel Embiid, who scored 52 points on 20-for-25 shooting.
The 76ers center is now the second player in NBA history to record 50 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in a game while also having an 80-percent field goal accuracy. Wilt Chamberlain was the first to achieve this stat line over 50 years ago.
Embiid’s dominant performance against the Celtics will help his campaign for the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award. Jayson Tatum, who is projected to finish fourth in the MVP race, wasn’t as productive.
Tatum scored 19 points on 7-for-20 shooting and made two of his eight three-point attempts. In addition to a shooting slump, Boston's superstar missed a game-tying shot at the conclusion of the matchup.
Along with head coach Joe Mazzulla sharing his thoughts on Embiid's performance and whether the Celtics should have done anything different defensively, Tatum commented on the Sixers' star center's offensive barrage.
“He had a good game, obviously,” said Tatum. “He willed his team to a victory.”
The Celtics host the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night.
Further Reading
Celtics Star Jaylen Brown Opens Up About Dealing with Trade Rumors
Jaylen Brown on His Relationship with Jayson Tatum: 'We’re a Part of Each Other’s Destiny'
[Film Room] What the Celtics Did to Slow Down Giannis Antetokounmpo in Blowout vs. Bucks