Jayson Tatum Scores 52 Points as Celtics Complete Historic Comeback Against 76ers

Jayson Tatum delivered one of the most spectacular performances in recent Boston Celtics history tonight, scoring 52 points to orchestrate the largest fourth-quarter comeback in franchise history as the Celtics stunned the Philadelphia 76ers 128-124 at TD Garden. Tatum scored 24 points in the final period alone, leading Boston back from a 28-point deficit with 10:47 remaining to complete one of the most improbable victories of the NBA season.

The Celtics appeared dead in the water entering the fourth quarter, trailing 102-74 after a dominant Philadelphia performance through three periods. Joel Embiid had been unstoppable for the 76ers, scoring 41 points on efficient shooting while Tyrese Maxey added 28 points with his explosive drives to the basket. However, Tatum single-handedly changed the game's complexion with a scoring barrage that included seven three-pointers and several contested jumpers that defied logic. "I've never seen anything like that," said Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla. "Jayson was in a complete zone, and when he's playing like that, he's unstoppable."

The comeback gained momentum when Tatum hit consecutive three-pointers to cut the deficit to 18 points with eight minutes remaining. His teammates began feeding off his energy, with Jaylen Brown contributing crucial baskets and Kristaps Porziņģis providing interior defense that frustrated Philadelphia's offense. The turning point came with 3:47 left when Tatum scored 11 consecutive points for Boston, including a four-point play that brought the Garden crowd to its feet and put the Celtics within striking distance.

Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse called multiple timeouts trying to stem the tide, but his team appeared rattled by the explosive Boston run. Embiid, who had been dominant early, struggled in the fourth quarter as the Celtics began double-teaming him consistently and forcing turnovers. Maxey missed several key shots down the stretch, and the 76ers went scoreless for a crucial 4:12 stretch that allowed Boston to take its first lead since the opening minutes on a Tatum three-pointer with 1:23 remaining.

The final minute was pure theater, with both teams trading baskets in front of a delirious TD Garden crowd. Embiid tied the game at 124-124 with a fadeaway jumper with 34 seconds left, but Tatum responded immediately with a step-back three-pointer that gave Boston the lead for good. Brown sealed the victory with a steal and dunk with 8 seconds remaining, capping off a comeback that will be remembered as one of the greatest in Celtics lore.

Tatum's 52-point outburst marked his career high and the most points scored by a Celtic since Isaiah Thomas' 53-point playoff performance in 2017. His fourth-quarter explosion of 24 points tied the franchise record for most points in a final period, matching Larry Bird's legendary performance against the Lakers in 1985. "This team never gives up," Tatum said after the game. "Down 28, we could have folded, but we kept believing. That's what champions do." The victory improved Boston to 48-12 on the season and extended their lead atop the Eastern Conference standings, while Philadelphia dropped to 38-22 and missed a crucial opportunity to gain ground in the playoff race.