NBA

Jayson Tatum achieves NBA Playoffs mark despite awful injury in Celtics vs Knicks Game 4

Jayson Tatum was forced to leave the court in Game 4 between the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks due to a physical issue, but not before reaching an impressive milestone in the NBA Playoffs.

Jayson Tatum was forced to leave the court with an injury
© IMAGO / Icon SportswireJayson Tatum was forced to leave the court with an injury

Monday night was a disaster for the Boston Celtics. Not only did they suffer a tough 121-113 loss to the New York Knicks that left them trailing 3-1 in the series, but they also lost Jayson Tatum. The 27-year-old star had to exit the court with a right leg injury that could be seriously concerning. However, before leaving the game, he managed to hit a remarkable milestone.

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Before getting hurt, Jayson had logged 40 minutes on the floor and delivered a stellar performance. The forward scored 42 points, shooting 16-of-28 from the field and 7-of-15 from beyond the arc. He also recorded 8 rebounds and 4 assists.

That performance allowed Tatum to tie Kobe Bryant’s mark for three-pointers made in NBA Playoffs history. Now, the Los Angeles Lakers legend and the Celtics star share 11th place on the all-time postseason three-point list, with 292 made threes each.

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Still, in the comparison between Jayson and Kobe, the 27-year-old forward holds a slight edge: he has attempted fewer shots (840 to 882), giving him a slightly higher shooting percentage. And in another key stat where Tatum tops Bryant, he reached that number in fewer games. The Celtics star averages 2.41 threes per game, while the Lakers icon averaged 1.33.

Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics walks off the bench in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks

Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics walks off the bench in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks

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Who is the player with the most threes in NBA Playoffs history?

Regardless of the injury that could sideline him for an extended period, Jayson Tatum now stands on the verge of breaking into the top 10 all-time for postseason three-pointers made. The 10th spot is currently held by J.R. Smith, who has 294—just two more than the Celtics forward.

Celtics star Jaylen Brown speaks on Jayson Tatum’s injury during Game 4 loss to the Knicks

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The all-time list is, unsurprisingly, led by Stephen Curry. The Golden State Warriors point guard has made 650 playoff threes, well ahead of his closest challenger, former teammate Klay Thompson, who has 501. Further down the list are LeBron James (480), James Harden (434), Ray Allen (385), Kevin Durant (366), Emanuel Ginobili (324), Reggie Miller (320), and Danny Green (315).

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Other milestones Tatum reached before his injury

The stunning Game 4 performance Jayson Tatum was delivering against the Knicks before injuring his right leg also helped him hit several other NBA milestones. He passed Sam Jones for 34th on the all-time playoff scoring list (2,936 points), surpassed Paul Pierce for 54th in rebounds (989), and tied Sam Cassell for 50th in assists (592).

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