Duke basketball superstar Jayson Tatum put on a show in front of the royal family.
Playing in front of celebrities in nothing new for former Duke basketball superstar Jayson Tatum but the Most Valuable Player candidate put his abilities on display in front of a unique pair of notable people on Tuesday night.
As the Boston Celtics began its final preparations for an Eastern Conference Finals rematch against the Miami Heat, Prince William and Kate Middleton took their seats courtside at TD Garden.
The members of the royal family watched the former Blue Devil explode for a season-high 49 points in Boston’s 134-121 victory over the Heat.
Tatum has scored at least 30 points in each of his last four games, all victories for the Celtics.
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The 6-foot-8 forward also added 11 rebounds, three assists, and two steals to the winning effort on Tuesday while shooting 15-of-25 from the field and a scorching 8-of-12 from the 3-point line.
Jayson Tatum became the first player in NBA history with multiple games of at least 45 points, 10 rebounds, and eight 3-pointers in addition to being the only player in the league to make over 900 3-pointers before turning 25-years old.
Tatum is one of the leaders for the Most Valuable Player as he is averaging 31.6 points, 7.8 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game on 48.8-percent shooting from the floor.
ESPN basketball commentator Stephen A. Smith admitted on his show, First Take, that the former Blue Devil should be “a leading candidate” for the award earlier this week.
Royals amazed with Duke basketball product
Cameras caught Prince William telling Kate Middleton that Jayson Tatum is “very good” following one of his 3-pointers on Tuesday night.
Prince William after another Jayson Tatum 3.
— Will Manso (@WillManso) December 1, 2022
“He’s very good.” 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/5FUeLcqUkx
Tatum did not seem to be too worried as to who was in the cowed was more concerned about his shots falling against Miami as he said following the game, “I’m just glad I hit some 3’s tonight.”
On playing in front of the Royals, Jayson Tatum told @tvabby: "I'm just glad I hit some 3's tonight..."
— Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) December 1, 2022
The Celtics (18-4) have a two game lead over the Milwaukee Bucks for the top seed in the Eastern Conference as Boston returns to the floor on Friday night for another home matchup against the Miami Heat.