Jayson Tatum accomplishes Celtics feat only matched by Larry Bird

Celtics

Jayson Tatum led Boston in total points (1932), rebounds (623), assists (431) and steals (76) this season.

Jayson Tatum is putting himself in rarified air within the Celtics’ rich history ahead of another promising playoff run.

While the 27-year-old forward may come up short behind the likes of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic in the voting for NBA MVP this season, the case can be made that Tatum is playing the best basketball of his career as Boston looks to secure Banner 19 this spring. 

As noted on the Celtics’ X account, Tatum joined Larry Bird as the only players in franchise history to lead the team in total points, rebounds, assists, and steals in a single season multiple times. 

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Jayson Tatum and Larry Bird are the only Celtics to the lead the team in total points, rebounds, assists and steals in a season multiple times ☘️ pic.twitter.com/Pba65g6hLi

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 14, 2025

During the 2024-25 regular season, Tatum led Boston in total points (1932), rebounds (623), assists (431) and steals (76). The superstar forward also accomplished that feat during the 2020-21 season.

Tatum closed out his eighth season in the NBA averaging 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds and six assists per game. 

Along with his strong defense, Tatum has thrived in Joe Mazzulla’s 3-point-heavy offense. Tatum — who inked the largest contract in NBA history last summer — led all NBA forwards this season with 250 3-pointers. 

While Tatum has once again stuffed the stat sheet during the 2024-25 season, both he the Celtics will now focus on a more pressing task: becoming the first NBA team since the 2017-18 Golden State Warriors to win back-to-back titles.

“It’s been a lot of fun, honestly,” Tatum told The Boston Globe’s Gary Washburn of the Celtics’ approach ahead of the playoffs. “Bringing everybody back besides Oshae (Brissett), we have such a joy and connection with each other. It was some tough moments or whatever it may be, but with one game left in the season, everybody has felt valued; everybody has played a part in our success this season. 

“Everybody understands the common goal that we share and we know who we are. We know who we are individually. We know what we bring to this team to make it what it is. And have so much fun doing what we do. You realize when you’re on special teams and you’re with special guys, you just try to cherish those moments. The season goes by fast, but it’s been a fun one so far.”

Boston’s latest push for Banner 19 will begin on Sunday. Their first-round matchup is still to be determined in the play-in tournament between the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks.