Celtics star Jayson Tatum looked like a man on a mission in his first game after a very eventful summer.
The months that followed Boston’s 2024 NBA championship mostly were filled with highlights for Tatum, who signed a record-breaking contract in Boston and landed on the latest cover of the “NBA 2K” series. But the five-time All-Star did encounter a bit of adversity when he took a back seat on Team USA’s drive to an Olympic gold medal in Paris.
Steve Kerr, who was responsible for Tatum’s minimal role at the Summer Games, has become a prominent enemy among Celtics fans. And one of the most well-known Green Teamers shouted out the Golden State Warriors head coach Tuesday night when Tatum started the 2024-25 season strong.
“Thank you Steve Kerr!” Bill Simmons posted to X.
Between a pregame message to Boston fans and a lights-out performance against the Knicks, Tatum was the star of the season-opening show on Causeway Street. He led all players in points (37) and assists (10) and knocked down eight (!) of the Celtics’ 29 3-pointers. It was a terrific first impression for a superstar who might be gunning for the league MVP Award this season.
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Tatum will try to stuff the stat sheet again Thursday night when the C’s visit the Washington Wizards.
Featured image via David Butler II/Imagn Images
