Jayson Tatum’s playoff legacy continues to take shape in historic proportions, with 72 wins in just 121 postseason games as of the conclusion of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. That figure isn’t just impressive—it’s a declaration. For a player still in the prime of his career, Tatum has already compiled a playoff resume that rivals some of the game’s all-time greats. His durability, consistency, and willingness to shoulder pressure-packed moments define what it means to be a cornerstone player in a city like Boston, where basketball legacies are carved in stone by rings, rivalries, and unforgettable postseason runs.
From the moment Tatum entered the NBA as the third overall pick in the 2017 Draft, the Celtics were immediately elevated. Even in his rookie year, he played a pivotal role in a Celtics team that reached the Eastern Conference Finals, where he famously dunked on LeBron James and stared down the King—a symbolic gesture from a rising star unafraid of the spotlight. That was only the beginning. Since then, Tatum has not only returned to the playoffs every year but has also become one of the league’s most prolific and reliable playoff performers.
Winning 72 playoff games before the age of 28 places Tatum in elite company. To understand the magnitude of this achievement, consider that Michael Jordan only had 63 playoff wins by the time he was 28. Kobe Bryant had 67. LeBron James had 65. While the game has evolved and team constructions have changed with more parity and shifting roles, Tatum’s consistency in producing victories under pressure has remained a defining trait. The Celtics’ deep playoff runs over the past several years have largely hinged on his ability to deliver at both ends of the court—scoring when needed, defending top wings, and playing a facilitator’s role when the matchup called for it.
Part of Tatum’s postseason success stems from the Celtics’ team continuity and leadership under coaches like Brad Stevens and, more recently, Joe Mazzulla. Boston has built its roster around two-way versatility and modern spacing, and at the heart of that system is Tatum, who can function as a primary scorer, an elite off-ball threat, and a switchable defender. His ability to morph his game based on what the moment requires is a rare asset. When Boston needed buckets, he delivered high-scoring nights. When they needed defense, he guarded the opposition’s best player. And when injuries hit or others faltered, Tatum routinely rose to the occasion.
But it’s not just about numbers—although those are impressive, too. Tatum has averaged over 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists per game across his playoff career. He’s already had multiple 40+ point games in pivotal matchups, including a record-setting 51-point performance in Game 7 of the 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers, the highest-scoring Game 7 performance in NBA history at the time. That game served as a turning point, quieting critics who questioned his ability to carry the load in do-or-die scenarios. It wasn’t just the scoring—it was the calmness, the shot selection, the complete control over the tempo of the game that spoke volumes.
His resume includes several trips to the Eastern Conference Finals, and he played a critical role in leading Boston to the 2022 NBA Finals, their first in over a decade. Though the Celtics fell short to the Golden State Warriors in six games, Tatum’s presence on the grandest stage signaled a new era for the franchise. The taste of Finals basketball ignited a hunger in him and the team, and in the seasons that followed, the Celtics have only become more formidable. Each year brought more wins, more growth, and more signature Tatum moments.
The 2024 and 2025 playoff runs were particularly telling. Despite fierce competition and an ever-changing Eastern Conference landscape, the Celtics remained perennial contenders. Tatum had embraced his role not just as a scorer, but as a leader. His bond with fellow star Jaylen Brown matured, silencing past whispers that the two couldn’t coexist. Together, they became the league’s most dynamic wing tandem, taking turns closing out games and complementing each other’s strengths. While Brown often provided explosive athleticism and tough shot-making, Tatum became the cerebral scorer—the player who could read the game like a veteran chess master, making the right move more often than not.
In 2025, Boston once again made a deep playoff run, with Tatum anchoring the team through multiple grueling series. His clutch free throws, timely defensive plays, and ability to rise above fatigue continued to make the difference. The Celtics’ 72 playoff wins with Tatum at the helm reflected not just team success but his personal evolution. Every series win was a testament to his growth from promising rookie to franchise pillar. Each elimination game was another step toward legacy-defining status.
Leadership in the postseason goes beyond scoring and stat lines. It’s about poise, vision, and the ability to inspire teammates when it matters most. Tatum has developed into that kind of leader. He’s often seen on the bench encouraging younger teammates, drawing up plays with coaches, and setting the tone with his defense early in games. That kind of intangible leadership often separates stars from superstars. It’s the reason Tatum is now regularly mentioned in MVP conversations, and why his legacy in Boston will almost certainly lead to his jersey hanging in the rafters one day.
