Jayson Tatum Describes ‘Surreal Moment’ Playing In Front Of Celtics Legends Vs. Lakers

BOSTON — It was all smiles for Jayson Tatum after the Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night.

Certainly that was in part due to a great game on both ends of the floor, where he lit up the fourth quarter to put LeBron James and Co. away by getting anything he wanted in the paint.

But former Celtics player and assistant Evan Turner FaceTiming Tatum during his media availability was cause for a few laughs.

“Was the young boy impressive tonight?” Turner asked media present, while Tatum put his phone up to the microphone for reporters. “Were you guys impressed or no?”

Impressed was an understatement, as Tatum’s 37 points, 11 rebounds, two assists, three steals and a block sealed the deal for Boston. Best of all, he did it all within Boston’s offense, and drove to the hoop when shots weren’t falling, reminding the world how impossible he can be to stop when he does.

But Turner wasn’t the only Celtics legend that Tatum impressed. Celtics Hall of Famers Bill Russell and Paul Pierce were in attendance as well for the big rivalry game, receiving huge ovations from fans in attendance at TD Garden.

Tatum gave them all quite the show.

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“It’s a surreal moment,” Tatum said. “Obviously, Bill Russell, you know, the impact that he had on the Celtics and the NBA. I didn’t get to see him play, but having someone like Paul coming to the game and someone I have a relationship with. I remember watching him play and now he’s watching me play. That’s crazy to me.”

Those Celtics stars have passed the torch to Tatum, and if this win was any indicator, he’ll continue to live up to tradition.

Boston goes at it again Saturday against the Oklahoma City Thunder on the second night of a back-to-back at TD Garden at 7:30 p.m. ET.