Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum. Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

Jayson Tatum eclipses a longstanding Larry Bird record

By Sai Mohan | Last updated 2/14/24

You know you're on the path to greatness when you've surpassed or even matched a Larry Legend achievement.

Jayson Tatum registered his 128th game of 30-plus points during Boston's 118-110 win over the Nets Tuesday night, and in the process, set a new franchise record for most 30-point games through seven seasons as a Celtic. Larry Bird held the previous record with 127 such games through seven seasons.

After the game, Tatum admitted to feeling a sense of validation when mentioned in the same rarified air as Bird.

"It's always an honor to be mentioned with some of the greatest players of all time," Tatum said, via CelticsCLNS. "When I hear it, obviously, it gives me chills. It makes me feel good. I'm doing something right, I guess."

Jayson Tatum couldn’t help but smile when told he trailed only Larry Bird for most 40 point games in Celtics history.

“When I hear it, obviously it gives me chills. It makes me feel good. I’m doing something right, I guess.”

(Via @CelticsCLNS) pic.twitter.com/Mx14kgiYyA
— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzellNBA) February 14, 2024

While Bird got off to a remarkable start through seven years, the final few seasons of his career were riddled with back problems, causing a considerable dip in his scoring production. Therefore, Bird managed only 94 more 30-point games through his final six years, finishing with a total of 223.

If Tatum can avoid any significant injuries, he's well on his way to surpassing Bird's overall tally of 30-point games. As seen below, he has also surpassed Bird for most 40-point games through seven seasons as a Celtic.

40-point games in their first 7 seasons:

25 — Jayson Tatum
20 — Larry Bird

Tatum is already a top __ Celtic all-time. pic.twitter.com/JV3Lgw3pPo
— StatMuse (@statmuse) February 14, 2024

Some believe Tatum is already the third greatest Celtic in history behind Bill Russell and Bird, but others would give that nod to John Havlicek, Kevin McHale or even Paul Pierce due to their championship pedigree. Tatum is still trying to win his first ring, something his streaking Celtics are the odds-on favorites to do this spring.

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