Jayson Tatum is a remarkable player who has given Boston Celtics supporters a lot of delight over the years. Fans will always remember Tatum’s record-breaking 51-point effort in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in 2023 against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Joel Embiid and the rest of the 76ers were sent packing once more in the playoffs after the Celtics upset them 112-88. The Cs advanced to their fourth Conference Finals under Tatum with the victory. What better way to end our rewatch series as this is the last entry than Tatum’s legendary performance?
Some background heading into the game: the Boston Celtics were forced to win Game 6 on the road in Philadelphia to force a Game 7. Tatum took over in the fourth quarter, propelling the Celtics to victory, thus setting the stage for a classic Game 7
The Cs ultimately were in control throughout the game, and they broke the spirits of Embiid and James Harden. Boston led by as many as 30 points en route to a dominant win over the 76ers. The victory solidified the Celtics’ status of owning Embiid and the 76ers.
Biggest moment of the game: Jayson Tatum’s big three-pointer
With a blowout game, it’s hard to find a signature big play, but Jayson Tatum had a few big three-pointers. The one that is worth highlighting is towards the end of the third quarter when Tatum hit a side-step three to give the Celtics a 28-point lead and to give himself 41 points.
The play is memorable as it led to a classic Mike Breen, “bang”, and he also called it a “Tatum Tornado.” I love the analogy by Breen, and it enhanced the moment for Tatum. An honorable mention for this category is when Tatum scored his 51st point of the night, and he held up a five and a one with his fingers.
Star of the game: Jayson Tatum
The star of this game is simple as Tatum put together a record-breaking performance. Tatum’s 51 points were the most scored ever in a Game 7, passing Stephen Curry, who had 50 points in Game 7 of the first round in the same postseason.
The Boston Celtics star also chipped in 13 rebounds and five assists while also shooting an impressive 17/28 from the field and 6/10 from three. Tatum has proven to be a big-game player, and he is only going to get better.
Winners of the game: Tatum/Jaylen Brown/Malcolm Brogdon
Besides Tatum, Jaylen Brown and Malcolm Brogdon stepped up with big performances. Brown had 25 points and six rebounds, and his performance was overshadowed by Tatum. The game was a true example of them playing superbly off of one another.
Brogdon also had an exceptional game off the bench, chipping in 12 points and two assists. Although Brogdon had a poor postseason overall, he did deliver in Game 7.
Losers of the game: Joel Embiid and James Harden
Embiid and Harden are the two losers of this game because they did nothing to change the narratives of their careers. Both Embiid and Harden are viewed as players with losing traits, and they are overall stat padders. The duo did not show up in this one, combining for only 24 points.
The game was an opportunity for the duo to enhance their legacy, but they ultimately made it worse.
Impact of the game on the Boston Celtics
The impact of this game is that the Celtics never looked the same in the 2023 postseason, falling behind 3-0 to the Miami Heat and losing in seven games.
The Boston Celtics have a new roster and will try to win the elusive Banner 18. In contrast, the Sixers seem to be in chaos because Harden is missing practices.
