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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 2: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics speaks to the media during Boston Celtics Media Day at The Auerbach Center on October 2, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.(Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics beat the Washington Wizards 111-100 on Saturday at TD Garden. The victory completed a 3-0 season series sweep. Boston improved to 44-23. Washington dropped to 16-49 and extended its losing streak to 11 games.
Jayson Tatum was asked about Bam Adebayo‘s historic 83-point explosion against these same Wizards on Tuesday. The performance divided the basketball world. Some celebrated history. Others questioned the legitimacy after seeing over 40 free throw attempts.
Tatum shared his take on the matter postgame.
Tatum Reacts to Adebayo’s Night
When asked, JT praised Adebayo’s record-breaking performance without hesitation.
“Super happy for him,” Tatum said. “He plays for the other team, so he’s an enemy most of the time. But that’s something that’ll be in history forever.”
The comment captured Tatum’s perspective perfectly. Adebayo plays for Miami. Tatum plays for the Celtics. They’re rivals. But the accomplishment transcends team allegiances. Tatum and Bam are good friends off the court. The Eighty-three points will live in NBA history.
Jaylen Brown also addressed Bam’s game while streaming on Twitch. He defended Adebayo directly and redirected criticism toward Washington.
“Records are meant to be broken,” Brown said. “I think two things can be true. You can look at the facet in which it was broken and complain, and you can also just acknowledge the fact that Bam Adebayo was having a great game and he did exactly what he was supposed to do. I don’t see why there needs to be any criticism. If anybody deserves the criticism, it’s the Washington Wizards.”
Brown made the correct point. Washington allowed 83 points to happen. Adebayo capitalized. That’s what players do.
Tatum’s Minutes Climb in Latest Game
Tatum logged 32 minutes for the Celtics on Saturday. His highest total since returning from injury. The workload keeps increasing. So does the production.
He finished with 20 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists. The rebounding stood out. Fourteen boards showed his activity level is rising. The playmaking created opportunities for teammates. Seven assists against a defense focused on stopping him demonstrated his court vision.
Tatum discussed his increased minutes after the game.
“I knew that my minutes would go up a little bit this week,” Tatum said. “Obviously I’ve been responding really well and feeling great.”
The Achilles injury cost him 10 months. He returned March 6 against Dallas. Each game since has brought more playing time. The body is holding up. The confidence is building.
“Shit, since May 13th nobody has done more calf raises than me,” Tatum said.
Queta Shines for the Celtics
Neemias Queta led all Celtics with 24 points. He shot 11-of-13 from the field. Washington’s interior defense had no solution. Queta also grabbed 10 rebounds, dished 3 assists and blocked 2 shots.
Luka Garza also had a strong performance off the bench, contributing 15 points on the night. Derrick White was a team high plus 33 on the night.
Nikola Vucevic was spotted with a wrap cast on his hand, as he remains out with a fractured right ring finger. He won’t return until early April.
Boston hosts Phoenix up next on Monday.
BOSTON, MA – Neemias Queta #88 of the Boston Celtics. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Final Word for the Celtics
Jayson Tatum praised Bam Adebayo’s 83-point performance. Jaylen Brown defended it. Both recognized the historic achievement despite Adebayo playing for a rival.
Tatum then had another strong performance the same Wizards team Saturday. A season-high 32 minutes. Twenty points, 14 rebounds, 7 assists. His workload continues climbing. His body keeps responding.
The Celtics swept Washington 3-0 this season. They’re 44-23 and rolling toward the playoffs.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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