The Boston Celtics fell just short of winning the NBA Championship in June, losing in six games to the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. It left Jayson Tatum feeling miserable, as he didn’t communicate with anyone for a few weeks after that.
However, once he began reaching out to people again, it was clear that his demeanor had changed. Not wanting to ever feel that way again, Tatum was now carrying himself as someone obsessed with winning. On opening night, he put all of that work from the offseason to good use.
Tatum was unstoppable, as he poured in 35 points against the Celtics’ Atlantic Division rivals, the Philadelphia 76ers. He was an efficient 13-of-20 from the field, making 2-of-7 attempts from 3-point range and 7-of-9 from the foul line.
Tatum wasn’t alone in his dismantling of the 76ers, as Jaylen Brown also scored 35 points in the game, making 14-of-24 shot attempts, including 4-of-12 from long distance and three of his free throw attempts. In the process, the dynamic duo joined a very exclusive club.
LATEST NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum & Boston Celtics Updates
According to CBS Sports, Tatum and Brown are only the third duo in NBA history to score 35+ points each in a season opener. The first was Oscar Robertson and Jack Twyman of the Cincinnati Royals against the St. Louis Hawks. Robertson scored 35 while Twyman poured in 39.
The most recent instance was Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain in 1969, playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. That game was also against the 76ers, as Chamberlain scored 35 and West scored 39.
Explosive scoring nights like the one during the opener are becoming more and more common for Tatum and Brown. They are one of the best young duos in the NBA and the Celtics are hopeful that they can help carry the team back to the promised land.
LATEST NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum & Boston Celtics Updates
Tatum added a team-high 12 rebounds, four assists, one steal and one block to round out his stat line. Brown pulled down three rebounds with two assists, two steals and one block in a very successful night for Boston.
