Jayson Tatum books seat alongside generational players LeBron James and Nikola Jokic with phenomenal NBA Finals record
Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics inched closer to winning the 2023-24 NBA title on Wednesday. The 17-time champions registered a 106-99 win over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. As a result, the Celtics extended their lead to 3-0 in the series and are now just one win away from raising another banner.
Celtics poster boy Tatum came out firing at American Airlines Center in Dallas and led his team in points in Game 3. The superstar finished the game with 31 points on 11-of-26 shooting from the floor. Tatum also added six rebounds and five assists to his tally.
Tatum's exploits mean he now finds himself on an elite list alongside LeBron James and Nikola Jokic as the only players to average at least 20 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in the NBA Finals.
Here's a closer look at the list of NBA players to average at least 20 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in NBA Finals history.
Players to average 20/7/7 in NBA Finals
#1. Jayson Tatum
Tatum has played nine games in the finals in his career so far. The Celtics superstar averages 21.6 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists. Tatum has a win-loss record of 5-4 in the finals.
#2. LeBron James
Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has played 55 games in the NBA Finals. The four-time champion averages 28.4 ppg, 10.2 rpg and 7.8 apg in the finals. LeBron has a 22-33 win-loss record in the finals.
#3. Nikola Jokic
Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic has played five games in the NBA Finals. The 1-time Finals MVP averages 30.2 ppg, 14.0 rpg and 7.2 apg in the finals. Also, Jokic has a win-loss record of 4-1 in the finals.
Jayson Tatum's record in 2024 finals so far
There is a point to be made that Jayson Tatum hasn't played to his potential in the ongoing finals against the Dallas Mavericks. Numbers-wise, the Duke alum is averaging 21.7 ppg, 8.7 rpg and 7.3 apg through three games so far.
Despite a 3-0 lead in the series, Tatum has struggled to shoot the ball. He has shot 35.9% from the field, including 29.6% from beyond the arc.
Amidst his shooting struggles, the Celtics power forward has done well to impact the game through other channels. Tatum has been good at rebounding and play-making for his teammates.
Notably, Tatum is averaging 43 minutes through three games, which is the most among all Celtics players.