Jayson Tatum named Eastern Conference Player of the Month

Jayson Tatum’s leap into stardom was recognized by the NBA Tuesday.

Tatum was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Month after the forward in his third season with the Boston Celtics, who is celebrating his 22nd birthday today, averaged 30.7 points and 7.9 rebounds to go along with 48.1 percent shooting from beyond the arc over 12 games in February.

Tatum broke up Milwaukee Bucks’ superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo’s streak of earning the award five times consecutively and Tatum became the first Celtic since Isaiah Thomas in January of 2017 to receive the honor. The only other members of Boston’s organization to earn the recognition are Larry Bird (seven times), Paul Pierce (four times), Antoine Walker and Thomas, per Taylor Snow.

Tatum, who also made his first All-Star Game appearance in February, capped the month with four straight outings with at least 30 points, including tying his career high with 41 points on 13-of-20 shooting in a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers. Two days later, Tatum set a new career best by knocking down eight 3-pointers (out of 12) and finishing with 36 points in a win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Going over the 30-point mark is now nothing new for Tatum, who has registered at least 30 points 12 times this season after only recording one such effort through his first two NBA seasons.

Tatum’s ascension has led him to lead the Celtics with 23.5 points per game while also averaging 7.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.3 steals in 34.5 minutes played.