Duke basketball: Jayson Tatum proves his game is ready for anything
Former Duke basketball standout Jayson Tatum proved that he is able to adjust to any circumstance and his game will follow.
The NBA is back and playing once again following the boycott of a handful of playoff games over the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and despite the sudden work stoppage, once again, former Blue Devil Jayson Tatum proved his game is ready to adjust to any circumstance.
Making quick work of the Philadelphia 76ers in the First Round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs with a four-game sweep, the Boston Celtics are now faced with the challenge of the defending NBA Champion Toronto Raptors, but it was Boston’s first-time All-Star who took charge in Game One.
More from Ball Durham
- Duke basketball: The architect behind digital dominance
- Duke basketball prioritizing frontcourt prospects in 2025
- Duke basketball: Unmasking the hate for the Blue Devils
- Duke basketball: Countdown to Craziness lands another huge visitor
- Duke basketball fills final open scholarship
Tatum tied the game-high in points with his teammate Marcus Smart with 21 points, but the forward also had nine rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 37 minutes of action.
Shooting 9-of-18 from the field, 2-of-5 from 3-point range, and making his lone free throw attempt, Tatum and the Celtics cruised to a 112-94 victory on Sunday afternoon.
The St. Louis native was aiming for his second straight double-double against the Raptors on Sunday after he posted 28 points and 15 rebounds in Game Four against the 76ers back on August 23.
Jayson Tatum is averaging 25.8 points per game in the postseason with his 2020 postseason high coming in Game Two against Philadelphia with 33 points after he dropped 32 points in Game One against Philly.
ALSO READ: Duke product exits NBA bubble with record intact
In four games against the Raptors this season, Tatum averaged 16.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game as he will try and continue his strong play inside the NBA bubble once again.
ALSO READ: Duke has shot at an outright national recruiting record
Game Two of the Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Boston Celtics and Toronto Raptors will take place on Tuesday, September 1 at 5:30pm EST, and the game can be seen on ESPN.