The Rundown: Tatum drops 60, steers Celtics to comeback win

Scoreboard

76ers 126, Hawks 104
Celtics 143, Spurs 140
Wizards 122, Cavaliers 93
Trail Blazers 128, Nets 109
Grizzlies 92, Magic 75
Bucks 108, Bulls 98
Suns 121, Jazz 100
Kings 110, Lakers 106

What went down

The Celtics had a night to remember against the Spurs. 

The game had everything: a 32-point deficit, getting booed at halftime, forcing overtime, winning the game, and Jayson Tatum exploding for a career-high 60 points. 

The Spurs were feasting on the Celtics at the Boston Garden in the first half. They shot 71.4 percent from the field and led by as many as 32 points. At halftime, the score read 77-48.

Then the Celtics jolted themselves back into life and Tatum became the centerpiece of a spirited comeback. Tatum scored 21 points in the fourth quarter plus 10 more in overtime. He also delivered four clutch free throws in the final 11 seconds to seal the win. 

It was a mind-blowing performance by Tatum and the Celtics to pull off one of the best comebacks of the season. 

🚨 60 POINTS FOR JAYSON TATUM. 🚨

?? Career high, ties BOS record (Bird)
?? 31 PTS in 4th quarter & OT
?? Leads @celtics 32-point comeback W pic.twitter.com/XxP9Sqf8cZ

— NBA (@NBA) May 1, 2021

Big-time baller

It’s a no-brainer that we have to go with Jayson Tatum. His 60 points was a showcase of his impeccable offensive arsenal. He had the jumpers, the turnarounds, the slithering drives, the tough layups, and the Kobe-esque moves. The 23-year-old was pure liquid fire, becoming the second youngest player to drop 60 (after Devin Booker).

Tatum went 20-for-37 from the field with five 3-pointers plus 15-for-17 from the line. He added eight rebounds, five assists, and get this: ZERO turnovers. He tied Celtics legend Larry Bird for the franchise scoring record.

What he said

Suns Fans HOW YOU FEEL 🤷🏽???

— Cameron Payne (@campayne) May 1, 2021

The Phoenix Suns are now the top dog of the Western Conference. They beat the Jazz and claimed the first seed with a league-best 45-18 record. 

Did you see that?

LeBron James made his return against the Sacramento Kings. He had been out of the lineup since March 20 - the longest absence in his 18-year career. 

James logged in nearly 32 minutes, produced 16 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. He nearly hit the game-winner with five seconds left, but his shot was too strong and the Kings held on. 

LeBron back & doing LeBron things.

Halftime: https://t.co/ffb2RzbOLy pic.twitter.com/Xl4xLXNanR

— NBA (@NBA) May 1, 2021