Hoops Habit
Fansided

What to watch for from every NBA team in the second half

By Daniel Lubofsky

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 23: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against Kyrie Irving #11 during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 23, 2020 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 23: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against Kyrie Irving #11 during the game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on January 23, 2020 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Matteo Marchi/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum’s continued superstar ascension

Forget the career-highs across the board and his first NBA All-Star game appearance. Jayson Tatum has taken his game to an entirely new level as of late.

Over his last 14 games, Tatum has pumped in 26.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 50.0 percent from the field and 44.5 percent from beyond the arc.

He’s sparked blowout wins over both the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers, and outdueled Kawhi Leonard and the LA Clippers in a double-overtime victory.

He’s figured out his place in the offense and is playing with incredible confidence. It’s helped the Boston Celtics go 8-2 over their last 10, third in the Eastern Conference and less than two games out of the No. 2 seed.

All respect to Kemba Walker, but the Celtics weren’t viewed as Eastern Conference favorites due in part to the absence of a legitimate superstar caliber player.

Tatum was already viewed as one of the brightest young stars in the NBA, but this incredible stretch has taken his standing up a notch in the league’s hierarchy. If it continues, Boston’s chances will rise along with him.