Memphis blues: 3 Celtics players who rocked in big win vs Grizzlies

Boston Celtics young superstar Jayson Tatum delivers a mission statement

In a battle of MVP candidates, it was the Boston Celtics young superstar that came out on top.

With this 39-point performance, Jayson Tatum left little doubt that he is a force to be reckoned with in this league going up against another force in Ja Morant.

Whether it was outside scoring, dunks or getting to the free throw, Tatum did it all in this game and he made it look easy.

What’s good about Tatum’s performance Monday night is that he seems to rise to the occasion against high-level players like Morant.  Not only is he leading his team in scoring, he is doing all the other things on the court to also help his team when like setting up other players for shots and hustling on the defensive end.

Now Tatum and Celtics fans did get a scare due to that hustle.  While chasing a loose ball in the final minute of the game, Morant crashed into Tatum’s knee sending a moment of panic throughout Celtics nation.  Fortunately, Tatum seems find following the collision.

"“It was just kinda like a weird fall,” Tatum said following the game.  “He dove for it, I tried to pick it up get out of the way, nothing intentional.  I guess his knee collided with mine, so I felt a little discomfort there.  But I obviously kept playing, got it looked at, so I’m fine.”"

Whew!

As far as Tatum’s performance to start the NBA season, he is now averaging 31.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.0 assists.  Sounds like a viable MVP candidate to me and also a player on a mission to rectify his NBA Finals disappointing performance.