Jayson Tatum breaks All-Star scoring record to win award named after his 'idol'
- Jason Soutar
- 20 February 2023
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum says it felt “extremely special” to be named NBA All-Star MVP on Sunday evening.
LeBron James was named an All-Star for the 19th time and was team captain for the sixth time for the annual showcase event.
The 184-175 defeat against Team Giannis was the first time the NBA's all-time leading scorer lost as a captain.
James sat out the entire second half after hurting his hand when trying to block a shot.
"I tried to get one little chase-down block and got my finger caught in the rim. But I'll be fine. I'll be fine," James explained.
"I don't think it's too much to worry about. For precautionary reasons, I just had to take the rest of the night off."
Tatum scored a record 55 points and led Team Giannis, while his All-Star teammate Donovan Mitchell recorded an impressive stat-line of 40 points, 10 assists and eight three-pointers.
Tatum's Boston Celtics team-mate Jaylen Brown led Team LeBron with 35 points.
Now a four-time All-Star, Tatum debuted his signature shoe, JT1, on Sunday as he broke Anthony Davis' record of 52 points scored in 2017.
JAYSON. TATUM.
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 20, 2023
MOST POINTS IN AN ALL-STAR GAME EVER ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/buR5sPXIks
"It means the world," Tatum said of his record.
"You think of all the legends and great players that have played this game.
"In all honesty, records are made to be broken. I'll hold it as long as I can but I'm certain somebody will come along in a couple years and try to break it."
Being named All-Star Game MVP was extra special for the Celtics forward as
the award is named after his idol and late Los Angeles Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant
.
"It's extremely special for me," Tatum said.
"My first All-Star Game was in Chicago in 2020 when they renamed the MVP after him (Bryant). I remember telling myself that day that I've got to get one of those before I get done.
"To be able to wear my signature shoe and break the record and take home this award of somebody that I idolised, it's a hell of a day."
The last two recipients of the All-Star MVP (Giannis Antetokounmpo and Steph Curry) went on to win Finals MVP and an NBA championship in the same year. That is a good omen.
