Celtics' Jayson Tatum Hyped by NBA Fans After Outplaying Kevin Durant in Win vs. Suns

Doric SamMarch 15, 2024

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 14: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball during the game against the Phoenix Suns on March 14, 2024 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)

Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images

The Boston Celtics used a complete team effort to dominate the Phoenix Suns on Thursday, but Jayson Tatum seemingly stealing the proverbial torch from Kevin Durant captured the attention of fans who tuned in.

Tatum scored 23 of his 26 points in the first half to help lead the Celtics to a 127-112 win over the Suns in front of a raucous home crowd at TD Garden. If the Philadelphia 76ers lose their game against the Milwaukee Bucks later on Thursday night, Boston (52-14) will be the first team to clinch a playoff spot this season.

After a torrid battle in the first quarter that saw Tatum and Durant trading shots, Durant cooled off in a big way. He finished with 20 points, 15 of which came in the opening period. When the game got out of hand with the Celtics leading by as many as 20, Durant looked disinterested and unenergetic.

Meanwhile, the Celtics were firing on all cylinders. Jaylen Brown finished with a game-high 37 points and Al Horford added a season-high 24 points. Boston connected on 50 percent of its three-pointers and limited Phoenix to 35.5 percent from beyond the arc.

But it was Tatum who was the talk of social media, as fans were impressed by how he outshined Durant on Thursday:

Dom2K 🎅 @Dom_2k
Tatum and Kevin Durant <a href="https://t.co/FZgOoSppna">pic.twitter.com/FZgOoSppna</a>

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Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Tatum is Tatuming all over the Suns right now.

Toxic @ToxicLakers
we are all witnessing the Jayson Tatum chain snatching of Kevin Durant <a href="https://t.co/Z3Se96NfY8">pic.twitter.com/Z3Se96NfY8</a>

PlaybyPlayBark @playbyplaybark
I think it's time<br><br>Yes no?<br><br>Jayson Tatum is better than Lebron James and Kevin Durant right now. <a href="https://t.co/AOgWrGC78L">pic.twitter.com/AOgWrGC78L</a>

NBA TV @NBATV
23 first-half PTS for JT! 🔥 <a href="https://t.co/F87CZW6tQj">pic.twitter.com/F87CZW6tQj</a>

Shane Young @YoungNBA
My god, Tatum. Pulling up in KD's face like it's nothing. Ridiculous first half for him

Taco Jay's Tacos ☘️ @KryntNBA
Don't ever tell me Devin Booker and Jayson Tatum are the same tier of player ever again. Tatum and Brown are WASHING Booker and KD

َ @REALH00PER
Jayson Tatum when Kevin Durant is guarding him <a href="https://t.co/VDF3SdYVxS">pic.twitter.com/VDF3SdYVxS</a>

✨adam✨ @ZTheBest33
Tatum every time KD is in front of him <a href="https://t.co/VtAvvWVIIE">pic.twitter.com/VtAvvWVIIE</a>

Nick Plumley @akaplumley
Tatum when he matches up against KD <a href="https://t.co/PPLPNn8tyH">pic.twitter.com/PPLPNn8tyH</a>

I.B @isaiahbolden23
Tatum is a bad man lord

Zay✨ @ZAYYYTHEGOAT
No Tatum hate tweets on my TL he must be hooping

𝓖𝓪𝓫𝓮 🍀 @gabe_blessed
LMAOOOO TATUM SNATCHING DURANT CHAIN ON NATIONAL TV <a href="https://t.co/mukVG5FAij">pic.twitter.com/mukVG5FAij</a>

The Celtics have now won 15 of their last 17 games. Their dominance has led many to believe that they are the favorites to win the NBA championship this year.

Tatum and Brown are the headliners, but if the supporting cast continues performing the way it did on Thursday, Boston will have a strong chance at earning its first title since 2008.

The Celtics will be back in action on Sunday against the Washington Wizards.