Jayson Tatum, a small forward for the Boston Celtics, has been making waves in the NBA since he was drafted third overall in the 2017 NBA draft. As a fan of basketball, I have followed Tatum’s career since his days at Duke University, but it wasn’t until a particular moment during his rookie season in the NBA that I knew he would be great.
Jayson Tatum vs LeBron James
It was February 11, 2018, and the Celtics were playing the Cleveland Cavaliers, led by superstar LeBron James. Tatum was only 19 years old and in his first season in the NBA, but he was already starting to make a name for himself with his scoring ability and smooth, versatile play style.
Early in the first quarter, Tatum received the ball on the left wing, about 25 feet away from the basket. LeBron James, one of the best defenders in the league, was guarding him closely, but Tatum didn’t seem intimidated. With a quick crossover dribble, Tatum created some space and launched a step-back three-pointer over James’ outstretched arm. The shot swished through the net, and the crowd at the TD Garden erupted in cheers.
That moment was when I knew that Jayson Tatum would be great. It wasn’t just the fact that he had made a difficult shot over one of the best defenders in the league. It was the way he did it, with poise and confidence beyond his years. Tatum didn’t back down from the challenge of facing LeBron James, and he didn’t hesitate to take a difficult shot when the opportunity presented itself. He believed in his abilities and trusted his training, and it paid off.
Tatum went on to have an impressive rookie season, averaging 13.9 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. He helped lead the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they ultimately fell to the Cavaliers in seven games. But Tatum’s performance throughout the playoffs, including a 28-point game in Game 1 against the Cavaliers, showed that he was ready to compete at the highest level.
Since that moment against the Cavaliers, Tatum has continued to develop into one of the best young players in the NBA. He was named an All-Star for the first time in 2020 and has since been named to the All-NBA Third Team. He has also become a leader on and off the court, known for his work ethic and dedication to the game.
In conclusion, the moment I knew Jayson Tatum would be great was when he fearlessly took and made a difficult shot over LeBron James during his rookie season in the NBA. That moment showed that Tatum had the confidence, skill, and mental toughness to compete at the highest level and succeed. Since then, Tatum has continued to prove himself as one of the best young players in the NBA, and I look forward to seeing what he accomplishes in the years to come.
