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Boston Celtics

Highlights: Celtics take over NBA All-Star Game as Jayson Tatum sets new record

Alex Barth February 20th

The Boston Celtics have been the story of this NBA season, holding the league’s best record at the All-Star break. Fittingly, they were the story of Sunday night’s All-Star Game as well.

We have to start with Jayson Tatum. He was voted in as a starter for the first time in his career (second appearance overall) and certainly made the most of this year’s trip. He scored an All-Star Game record 55 points on 22-of-31 shooting, including a 10-of-18 mark from three. Only Steph Curry has hit more threes in an All-Star Game. In the third quarter alone, Tatum set another game record with 27 points.

Tatum added 10 rebounds and six assists. In total, he played 35 minutes.

  • Unsurprisingly with those numbers, Tatum was named game MVP. He’s the eighth Celtic to ever win the award joining Ed Macauley (1951), Bob Cousy (1954 & 1957), Bill Sharman (1955), Bill Russell (1963), Dave Cowens (1973), Nate Archibald (1981), and Larry Bird (1982).

    Tatum wasn’t the only one who showed out though. Despite not starting and playing in his first game since a face fracture two weeks ago, Jaylen Brown led his team – Team LeBron – in scoring as well. His 35 points not only were a team-high, but third overall for the night behind just Tatum and Donovan Mitchell. Brown also had a double-double, with 14 rebounds.

  • With it being Brown’s first game back from that facial fracture, he debuted a new black mask he wore during the game. He’ll likely continue using that mask when the Celtics return from the All-Star break next week.

    Tatum and Brown didn’t just go head-to-head in the box score, they also did so literally. In the final minute of the third quarter, the two went one-on-one for multiple possessions. Despite it being Tatum’s night, it looked like Brown got the best of that sequence.

  • In total, every Celtic that was in Salt Lake City came away big. Even Joe Mazzulla – coaching Team LeBron – got the win. Led by Tatum, that team won 184-175.

    After that effort, Tatum and Brown will get a few more days to rest before the Celtics return to action. Their next game is Thursday night, when they head on the road to take on the Indiana Pacers. In the meantime, here’s some more Celtics highlights from Sunday night…

  • Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.