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Garden Report: Jayson Tatum ties Larry Bird with 60

A. Sherrod Blakely called it a top-five performance he’s ever seen. It played a vital part in a Celtics win and the seeding race as the season winds down. Jayson Tatum scored 60 points on Friday.

By CLNSMedia May 2, 2021, 4:10pm EDT

Jayson Tatum scored 60 points on Friday to lead a 32-point comeback, the third largest in NBA history, after the Celtics fell behind by 32 points early in the third quarter. Tatum shot 20-of-37, hit 5-of-7 from three and converted 15-of-17 from the free throw line.

The Garden Report and Celtics reacted to the comeback and Tatum’s brilliant night, which the panel agreed was one of the great performances in Celtics history.

Jayson Tatum the BEST GAME in CELTICS History?

Bobby Manning recaps a night where Jayson Tatum had to do nearly all of the Celtics’ first quarter scoring, watched Boston go behind by 32 points, then piled on shots from inside and out, hit 15 free throws, drilled clutch shots to out-duel Demar DeRozan in crunch time before adding 10 more points on top of his 50 in regulation in overtime. His free throws sealed a comeback win that ranks third in NBA history, while only Larry Bird has scored 60 points in a Celtics game alongside Tatum, who joins Bird after he sat alone for 36 years. Those at TD Garden saw one of the best individual performances in Celtics history, with some help from the likes of Aaron Nesmith and clutch baskets from Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart. Now, the Celtics are tied with the Hawks for the fifth seed with eight games remaining.

Jayson Tatum Scores 60 Points REACTION

The Celtics made a miraculous 32-point comeback vs the San Antonio Spurs on Friday night, winning 143-140. Jayson Tatum led the way with a career-high 60 points. This effort was also good enough to tie Larry Bird’s franchise record for most points scored in a single game.

The Garden Report reacts to this historical performance, as well as the team’s comeback. Tatum is one of only three players in NBA history to score 60 points with no turnovers. The crew breakdown how important this comeback was for the team’s season, and just how impressed they are with Tatum.

Tatum was the only Celtic who could get things going early on, scoring 14 of the team’s 16 first-quarter points. He also added eight rebounds and five assists to go along with his point total. He shot 20-37 from the field and 5-7 from three. Tatum also managed to shot 15-17 from the free throw line.

Aaron Nesmith KEY to Celtics Comeback vs Spurs

Although Jayson Tatum’s 60-point performance stole the show, rookie Aaron Nesmith had another standout game vs the Spurs.

The Celtics found themselves down by as much as 32 points, and the fans at TD Garden were booing them at halftime. Nesmith played over 30 minutes for the second night in a row. He also broke his career-high in points with 16 after just setting it two days prior vs the Hornets.

The Garden Report broke down the amazing energy he brings to the table. One of the main criticisms the team has received this season is their effort levels. Nesmith brings energy each and every night, and it has started to earn him regular playing time.

Along with his 16 points, Nesmith had six rebounds, one assist, and one steal on the night. He also shot 7-9 from the field and 2-3 from deep. His most important plays came at the end of the game where he secured a couple of clutch offensive rebounds and score on put-backs.

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