Celtics' Jayson Tatum Nears Historic NBA Playoffs Feat

Tatum looks to surpass Michael Jordan and LeBron James in playoff scoring record books

Apr. 19, 2026 at 11:06pm

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Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is on the verge of shattering a historic NBA Playoffs scoring record held by Michael Jordan and LeBron James. Tatum's dominant performance in the Celtics' 123-91 rout of the Philadelphia 76ers has him closing in on a prestigious postseason milestone.

Why it matters

Tatum's potential record-breaking feat would cement his status as one of the NBA's elite players and further establish the Celtics as a championship contender. Surpassing Jordan and James in the playoffs would be a remarkable accomplishment for the 24-year-old superstar.

The details

Tatum scored 37 points in the Celtics' Game 4 victory, bringing his career playoff total to 1,244 points. He now sits just 56 points behind Jordan (1,300) and 66 points behind James (1,310) for the most points scored in NBA Playoffs history by a player before turning 25 years old.

  • Tatum scored 37 points in the Celtics' Game 4 win on April 19, 2026.
  • Tatum is 24 years old as of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

The players

Jayson Tatum

A 24-year-old small forward and superstar for the Boston Celtics.

Jaylen Brown

Tatum's All-Star teammate and fellow cornerstone of the Celtics' roster.

Joe Mazzulla

The head coach of the Boston Celtics, in his second season leading the team.

Michael Jordan

Considered by many to be the greatest basketball player of all time, who holds the record for most points scored in NBA Playoffs history before age 25.

LeBron James

One of the NBA's all-time greats, who currently holds the record for most points scored in NBA Playoffs history before age 25.

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What they’re saying

“Jayson Tatum is cementing his place among the NBA's elite. His performance tonight was simply dominant.”

— Joe Mazzulla, Head Coach, Boston Celtics

What’s next

If Tatum continues his torrid playoff scoring pace, he could surpass Jordan and James' records as early as the Eastern Conference Finals.

The takeaway

Tatum's historic playoff run underscores the Celtics' championship aspirations and solidifies the 24-year-old as one of the NBA's brightest young stars, poised to join the ranks of all-time greats like Jordan and James.