Jayson Tatum’s Three-Point Explosion: How the Celtics Star Quietly Cracked NBA Playoff History—and What It Means for Boston’s Title Hopes

BOSTON, MA — Jayson Tatum has always played with a chip on his shoulder. He’s been labeled a prodigy, a franchise savior, and—sometimes unfairly—a player who comes up short in the biggest moments. But while the NBA world has been busy debating his legacy, Tatum has quietly achieved something that even the league’s greatest shooters would envy: he’s now 15th all-time in playoff three-pointers made.

It’s a milestone that almost slipped under the radar. No confetti fell. No timeouts were called. But make no mistake—this is one of the most significant achievements of Tatum’s still-young career, and it could change the way we talk about both him and the Celtics for years to come.

The Shot Heard ‘Round the NBA

The moment came in typically understated fashion. In the second quarter of Game 4 against the Orlando Magic, Tatum caught a pass on the wing, sidestepped a defender, and drilled a deep three. The crowd at TD Garden roared, but most fans had no idea they had just witnessed history. With that shot, Tatum passed Klay Thompson for 15th place on the NBA’s all-time playoff three-pointers made list.

Let that sink in: Jayson Tatum, at just 26 years old, has already surpassed legends like Thompson and Ray Allen in postseason threes. The only names ahead of him are the likes of Steph Curry, LeBron James, and James Harden—players who have defined the modern era of basketball.

How Did We Get Here?

To understand the magnitude of this achievement, you have to look at the numbers. Since entering the league in 2017, Tatum has played in more than 100 playoff games, averaging over 2.5 made threes per contest. His accuracy from beyond the arc has steadily improved, and his willingness to take—and make—big shots has become a hallmark of his game.

But what’s truly shocking is the company he now keeps. The playoff three-point leaderboard is a who’s who of NBA royalty. For Tatum to break into the top 15 at such a young age is unprecedented. Even Steph Curry, the greatest shooter of all time, didn’t reach this milestone until his late twenties.

The Evolution of Tatum’s Game

Tatum’s rise as a three-point shooter wasn’t always guaranteed. When he was drafted third overall out of Duke, scouts praised his mid-range game and footwork, but questioned whether he could adapt to the NBA’s emphasis on spacing and perimeter shooting. Tatum answered those doubts emphatically.

Under the tutelage of Celtics coaches and with the mentorship of veterans like Al Horford and Marcus Smart, Tatum transformed his shot. He extended his range, quickened his release, and learned to shoot off the dribble—a skill that separates good shooters from great ones.

Now, Tatum is not just a threat from deep; he’s a nightmare for defenses. He can pull up from 30 feet, bury contested shots, and hit clutch threes when the Celtics need them most.

A Quiet Record in a Loud Era

In an age where every NBA milestone is celebrated with viral videos and social media fanfare, Tatum’s achievement has been curiously underplayed. Maybe it’s because he makes it look so easy. Maybe it’s because he’s still chasing bigger goals—a championship, an MVP, a Finals MVP.

But to those paying attention, Tatum’s rise up the all-time ranks is a sign of something much bigger. It’s proof that he’s not just a star—he’s on track to be an all-time great.

What This Means for the Celtics

For Boston, Tatum’s shooting is more than just a statistical curiosity—it’s the foundation of their title hopes. The Celtics have built their offense around spacing, ball movement, and three-point shooting. With Tatum leading the charge, they’ve become one of the league’s most dangerous teams from beyond the arc.

But it’s not just about the numbers. Tatum’s willingness to take big shots has inspired his teammates. Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, and Kristaps Porzingis have all benefited from the attention Tatum draws on the perimeter. When Tatum is hot, the Celtics are nearly impossible to beat.

The Dark Side of Greatness

Of course, with greatness comes scrutiny. Tatum’s playoff performances have sometimes been inconsistent. Critics point to his off nights in big games, his occasional shooting slumps, and his struggles against elite defenses. But milestones like this remind us that greatness is built over time, not in a single game or series.

Tatum’s place in the top 15 is not just a testament to his talent, but to his resilience. He’s played through injuries, criticism, and the pressure of carrying a storied franchise on his back. And he’s done it all before his 27th birthday.

The Future: How High Can Tatum Climb?

The most intriguing question is not how Tatum got here, but how far he can go. At his current pace, he could easily crack the top 10 in playoff threes within the next two seasons. If the Celtics make another deep run—or win that elusive 18th banner—Tatum could find himself chasing records set by the likes of Curry and LeBron.

And with every shot, he’s rewriting the narrative about what kind of player he is. No longer just a scorer or a “potential superstar,” Tatum is building a Hall of Fame résumé—one three-pointer at a time.

A Legacy in the Making

In the end, Tatum’s climb up the all-time leaderboard is about more than numbers. It’s about legacy. It’s about proving, night after night, that he belongs among the game’s elite. And it’s about giving Boston fans hope that the next chapter of Celtics greatness is being written right before their eyes.

So the next time Tatum rises up for a three, remember: you’re not just watching a shot. You’re watching history.

Sidebar: The NBA’s Top 15 All-Time Playoff Three-Point Leaders

1. Stephen Curry
2. LeBron James
3. Klay Thompson
4. James Harden
5. Kevin Durant
6. Ray Allen
7. Danny Green
8. Reggie Miller
9. J.R. Smith
10. Manu Ginóbili
11. Paul George
12. Kyle Lowry
13. Jamal Murray
14. Khris Middleton
15. Jayson Tatum

Did You Know?

– Tatum is the youngest player in the top 15.
– He’s made more playoff threes than Larry Bird and Paul Pierce—combined.
– If Tatum keeps this pace, he could be #1 before he’s 33.

Boston, are you ready for Tatum’s next chapter? Because history says it’s only getting started.