Teammates, friends, family react to Tatum’s 53-point night vs. Minnesota

The NBA world took note of Boston Celtics All-Star forward Jayson Tatum this past Friday evening when the St. Louis native had a historic game and career night against the Minnesota Timberwolves at TD Garden.

In a 145 – 136 win in overtime, Tatum hung 53 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists on Minnesota, instantly vaulting himself into the range of Celtics legends like Hall of Famers Larry Bird and Kevin McHale with the elite offensive performance. The Duke product might have needed the extra period to put away a pesky Timberwolves squad, but the takeaway from the win ought to be just how deep Tatum can dig to get the win when he is called on to do so.

A number of friends, family and peers took to social media to comment on his big game.

Of course Tatum himself made a point of enjoying the career night he'd had, shaking off some of the criticism he's gotten of late. https://www.instagram.com/p/CNeIpnjgLsV/ In the comments of his Instagram post former teammate and current Charlotte Hornet Brad Wanamaker replied "Tough!!!" Former Brooklyn Nets Justin Anderson echoed the sentiment. Tatum also retweeted a post by his endorser, Jordan Brand, celebrating the game: https://twitter.com/Jumpman23/status/1380721814536478723

While his mother Brandy Cole made a point of sticking it to some of his recent critics: https://twitter.com/brandy_n_cole/status/1380707175564185606?s=21 We aren't sure if she was talking about former Celtic champ and current media personality Kendrick Perkins, who weighed in himself: https://twitter.com/KendrickPerkins/status/1380707299925319680?s=20 (We're not so sure this was his motivation, Perk -- but carry on.)

Or this sort of 'humor' -- perhaps a but of both was what Mrs. Cole was referring to? https://twitter.com/KenTremendous/status/1380729324471382020?s=20 Friend and former Duke teammate Harry Giles III got in on the revenge tour as well: https://twitter.com/HGiiizzle/status/1380732324057243650?s=20

And current teammate and twin star wing Jaylen Brown let him know how he felt about his big night too. https://twitter.com/FCHWPO/status/1380916762628218881?s=20 Even Celtics from Brad Stevens teams of old weighed on on the 53-point explosion. https://twitter.com/Jared_Sully0/status/1380748813585903619?s=20

As did former assistant coach Micah Shrewsberry. https://twitter.com/Coach_Shrews/status/1380709429037895681 Critic of Tatum or not, you'd have to have been blindfolded to not appreciate the performance the Missouri native put on against Minnesota. Appreciate the young star wing regardless of the storm around the team -- and truth be told, league. He is a truly special talent, and on your favorite ball club's roster; the rest will come with time. This post originally appeared on Celtics Wire. Follow us on Facebook! [lawrence-related id=48852,48842,48763,48702] [listicle id=48854]

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