Once more demonstrating why he's among the top players in the NBA, Tatum erupted for 35 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and knocked down five three-pointers. But among his own supremacy, the Celtics player stopped to acknowledge LeBron James.
"As much as we talk about LeBron, it's still probably not enough," Tatum said to Daniel Donabedian of ClutchPoints. "Being able to challenge him brings delight.
James, at 40 years old, continues to play at a top level, defying Father Time in a way few in NBA history ever have. The accolades follow. For this season James is averaging 24.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game.
Two decades into his career, James continues to be among the most dominant players in the game thanks to his mix of durability, skills, and work ethic.
For just 27-year-old Tatum, there is an obvious road map for ongoing brilliance. His work ethic, skill set, and leadership have already helped the Celtics near the top of the Eastern Conference standings; if he follows James' path, he may be a force in the NBA for years—possibly even decades to come.
Tatum's most recent performance explained why he is already among the league's best. And with LeBron James establishing the benchmark for lifetime, the Celtics player could just be the next in line to carry the torch.
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