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Celtics’ Jayson Tatum is giving defenses more than his scoring to worry about

Jayson Tatum scored 34 points in three quarters Friday. The Hornets probably would have preferred that he stick to shooting. He also handed out nine assists, giving the Celtics the kind of offensive direction that matters well beyond a blowout…

Published: Saturday, 7 November 2026 at 7:48 AM
Celtics’ Jayson Tatum is giving defenses more than his scoring to worry about
Key Things to Know
  • Jayson Tatum is elevating the Celtics by pairing his high-level scoring with sharp playmaking and defensive manipulation.
  • Tatum recorded 34 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds in three quarters during Boston's 119-80 victory against Charlotte.
  • The win over the Hornets improved the Celtics to 2-0 in NBA Cup play.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Jayson Tatum delivered an impressive all-around performance with 34 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds in three quarters during the Boston Celtics' 119-80 victory over the Charlotte Hornets. Writer Sam Amico and Celtics On SI analyst John Karalis highlighted Tatum's evolving playmaking and sharp court vision, noting his growing ability to manipulate defenses and consistently make the right reads.

Tatum also rebounded from an early-season perimeter shooting slump by going 5-of-8 from beyond the arc. Teammates Derrick White and Payton Pritchard also raised their three-point percentages during the win, which improved Boston to 2-0 in NBA Cup play while Charlotte's Brandon Miller exited early due to groin soreness.

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