It’s Jayson Tatum’s world, and we’re just living in it.
The Boston Celtics soundly defeated a Damian Lillard-less Portland Trail Blazers 118-106 behind Tatum’s 36 points (including a career-high eight 3-pointers) on an absurd 8-of-12 shooting night from beyond the arc.
The game was close early, with Portland leading most of the first quarter until the Duke product gave Boston an 18-17 lead with a trey with just under 5 minutes remaining in the frame.
The Blazers would stay close through the second quarter despite missing, largely through the efforts of forward Carmelo Anthony, who had eight of his 14 points in the frame.
Boston went into the break with a 56-48 lead, only to see Tatum help push the lead to as high as 19 points by the final frame.
Interestingly, the Missouri native did not go to the free throw line even once in the contest.
The Celtics would win handily against the injury-hobbled Trail Blazers, Jaylen Brown chipping in 24 points and 7 boards, and reserve guard Brad Wanamaker contributed 13 points and 5 boards off the bench.
Portland was led by shooting guard C.J. McCollum with 28 points and 10 assists, and center Hassan Whiteside had a double-double with 18 points and 19 rebounds.
Forward Trevor Ariza added 17 points and 8 boards as well.
The Boston Celtics next face the Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City on Wednesday, February 26th at 10:30 pm ET.
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