With his fourth start for the East, the Boston Celtics star was chosen for his fifth All-Star game. On Thursday night, the Boston Celtics defeated the Miami Heat, 143-110, in a game that made franchise history. Jayson Tatum was selected for his fifth All-Star game, making his fourth start, before to the victory.
After the game, Tatum talked extensively about what it meant to him to be receiving the acknowledgement he had always dreamed of as a grown-up. Tatum said,
“I never get used to it; I never want to take it for granted,” “As a kid, it was my dream. I watched All-Star Weekend every year growing up and just dreamed about one day being in the game. So, to be voted in as a starter, fifth year straight in the game, doesn’t seem real at times, thanks to all the fans.”
At the age of 25, Tatum has already been selected for five All-Star teams. He now averages 27 points, 8.4 rebounds, 4.4 assists, and shoots 36.2 percent from three-point range and 46.8 percent from the field. Tatum was the third-most popular player in the league across all positions, behind LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo, while leading the C’s to the best record in the NBA. He said,
“So many guys they could have voted for; you know, to continue to get voted one of the top guys is pretty cool,”
“I think it’s important to celebrate those small wins throughout the season. Obviously, there’s more things you want to accomplish, but being an All-Star never gets old, and I’m very grateful for that.”