Jayson Tatum Matches Rare Paul Pierce Feat in Celtics’ Rout

Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics matched the rare feat of Paul Pierce by scoring 15 or more points in a single quarter during a recent game. This occurred in Boston's decisive 119-80 victory over the Charlotte Hornets in the NBA Cup. Tatum achieved this milestone in the first quarter of Friday night's match, scoring 18 points and setting up his teammates for 12 more.

His efforts were instrumental in Boston's early lead, which the Celtics built to 21 points by the end of the first quarter, thanks to four three-pointers hit by the Celtics. Throughout the first half, Tatum contributed significantly to the Celtics' success, tallying 24 points and six assists by halftime. The Celtics' shooting from beyond the arc was particularly effective, hitting 17 of 31 three-point shots, compared to Charlotte's 13 baskets overall.

Tatum's performance was complemented by Derrick White, who had already scored 10 points by halftime. Despite missing 39 of their 50 three-point attempts, the Hornets lost their sixth consecutive game, with Naz Reid being their top scorer with 14 points. With three games remaining in the road trip, Tatum needs just one more 15-point quarter to tie Pierce in the record books.