Celtics’ Jayson Tatum on career-high in win over the Timberwolves: ‘It’ll be a night I always remember’

BOSTON — Jayson Tatum couldn’t miss, and the Celtics needed every bit of the All-Star they could muster. Boston looked like it was going to suffer another disappointing loss, this time to the league-worst Timberwolves, who were gunning for the road win.

Tatum had 18 points at halftime, but it wasn’t enough as the Celtics stared down a nine-point deficit. That soon ballooned to a 17-point hole as the Timberwolves were blitzing what was a woeful Boston defense.

Then Tatum erupted. He scored 17 points alone in the third quarter, 13 in the fourth and put the finishing touches on a career-high, 53-point night in overtime. The Celtics earned a much-needed 145-136 overtime win Friday over Minnesota, improving to 27-26 in a packed Eastern Conference playoff picture.

“Scoring 50 is a big thing in this league, and especially at this age,” Tatum said. “It’ll be a night I always remember. First 50-point game and we got the win on top of that. Big win. Every win right now is big.”

Tatum carried the Celtics to victory as they took care of the Timberwolves in the extra period. Tatum’s career night helped boost his teammates, who delivered down the stretch of the win.

The efficiency stuck out for Tatum as a major point. He was 16-of-25 from the field, including a 6-for-10 showing from 3-point range. The All-Star did just about everything, including adding 10 rebounds and four assists.

It was also the free throws that helped boosted Tatum into such a special night. He was 15-of-16 from the line; a season-high in free throw attempts. Tatum — after struggling to get to the line all season — was attacking the rim, which earned him calls. As the aggressiveness turned up, it opened looks for him he feasted on.

“Attacking a little bit more,” Tatum said of his night. “Then just knowing the bonus situation. We got them in the bonus a little bit early in a couple of those quarters.”

The last time a Celtic scored more than the half-century mark was Isaiah Thomas’ memorable performance against the Wizards in the 2017 playoffs. Thomas put up 53 points, too, as part of an emotional game on Chyna’s birthday, Thomas’ late sister who died just a day before the Celtics’ playoff opener.

Celtics coach Brad Stevens said Tatum looked a lot like Thomas in that “he just wouldn’t let us lose.” While Boston struggled against the Timberwolves, it still ultimately ended up in a win.

“Tatum was super special tonight, and that’s coming off of a heavy-minute night the night before,” Stevens said. “Don’t mistake his quiet demeanor for not being a competitor. He is a competitor.”

There was a small issue from Friday’s win: Tatum’s son, Deuce, wasn’t in attendance to watch dad put up a career night.

No problem, Tatum said.

“He wasn’t here, but he called me after the game and said congrats,” Tatum said. “I’ll have to do it again someday and maybe he’ll be there the next time. “

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