Duke basketball star continues to make NBA history

It was another historic afternoon for former Duke basketball star Jayson Tatum. 

It has been a bad stretch of basketball for Jayson Tatum as the former Duke basketball one-and-done missed his last 20 attempts from 3-point range.

But that changed quickly on Sunday afternoon.

Tatum saw one shot go through the basket, and the rest turned into history as he went for 51 points on a career-high nine made 3-pointers as the Boston Celtics defeated the Washington Wizards, 116-87.

The former Blue Devil was 18-of-28 from the floor, 9-of-14 from 3-point range, and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw line in 33 minutes of action while none of his teammates eclipsed 20 points in the victory.

ALSO READ: Duke continues to be plagued by same issue

Jayson Tatum also added 10 rebounds, seven assists, and just one turnover in the game while he scored 48 of his 51 points through three quarters.

The two-time All-Star had 31 points at halftime, the most points scored by any player in the first half this season.

Tatum’s career-high is 60 points, set last season, and his playoff career-high is 50 points. He is averaging 25.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game this season.

Duke basketball star surpasses legend in Boston Celtics history

Jayson Tatum joined Celtics legend and NBA Hall of Famer Larry Bird as the only players in franchise history with multiple 50-point and 10-rebound performances.

Tatum also surpassed Bird for the most 50-point games in Celtics history, including the postseason, with five such outings.

Damian Lillard, James Harden, and Jamal Murray are the only other players in NBA history, including the postseason, with at least 50 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and nine 3-pointers in a game.

Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics will return home to face the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday, January 25 at 7:30 p.m.