This past Wednesday night saw a classic slugfest between two of the NBA’s top stars, as Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell traded blows in a tight game the Boston Celtics eventually beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-113 at TD Garden.
Tatum would finish the night with 41 points on a smooth 13-for-21 from the field. The St. Louis native also grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out a total of 8 assists. On the other side of the ball, Mitchell’s scoring was electric, putting up 44 points of his own in what at times devolved into a thrilling duel between old pals.
After Wednesday’s action, the Celtics Wire asked Tatum about the thrills and motivation that come with playing against a good friend and a fellow NBA star.
Let’s take a look at some of the best plays captured in images from the Celtics’ game No. 63 of their 2022-23 campaign. https://t.co/CCjDZGegDz
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) March 2, 2023
“Don is one of the best players in this league,” Tatum said. “He’s somebody that I’m extremely close with, talk all the time, same class, and someone I’ve known for a long time.”
Now a four-time All-Star, Tatum is among the biggest names in the Association at the moment. As such, any time he plays is must-see TV. Throwing another superstar in the mix only turns up the heat.
LeBron James has passed Michael Jordan as GOAT per Celtics legends KG and Paul Pierce https://t.co/oMl0vKBBQq
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) March 2, 2023
“Anytime you get a chance to play against one of the best guys in the league, it always raises your level as a competitor,” Tatum said. “You just love those moments, those match-ups.”
Tatum flirted with a triple-double as the Celtics pulled out a big win. He’s having one of his most effective seasons as a pro and is still in the mix for a possible MVP trophy this spring.
Donovan Mitchell dropped 44 in Boston, but Jayson Tatum and the Celtics walked away with a win Wednesday night. https://t.co/De8zatIW2O
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) March 2, 2023
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