Celtics forward Jayson Tatum scored 24 points Wednesday night as Boston defeated the Golden State Warriors 120-99 at TD Garden.
As Tatum and star teammate Jaylen Brown excelled against the Warriors, ESPN NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins offered high praise.
Celtics’ Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown Receive Kudos from Kendrick Perkins
During ESPN’s coverage of the Celtics-Warriors game, Perkins discussed Boston’s form since Tatum’s return to the lineup.
“They’re ready to go to the NBA Finals,” Perkins said. “They’re still the best duo in the Eastern Conference. They have the most championship experience, and they can fit and (are) willing to make it work. Because Jayson Tatum returned and he fit right on in, and he’s been a star in this role.
“I understand the percentages and … what he’s shooting. But he’s doing a lot of the other things, grabbing rebounds, dropping dimes, defending at a high level, getting out in transition. And he’s not taking away from Jaylen Brown. The man just had a 41-piece.”
Kendrick Perkins on what he’s seen from the Celtics since Jayson Tatum return:
“They’re ready to go to the NBA finals. They’re still the best duo in the Eastern Conference. They have the most championship experience and they can fit and willing to make it work. Jayson Tatum… pic.twitter.com/HKRM1u7gJV
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) March 18, 2026
Against the Warriors, Brown led the Celtics in scoring with 32 points, shooting 11-of-20 from the floor and 9-for-9 from the free-throw line. The Celtics improved to 46-23 overall and 24-10 at TD Garden. The Warriors fell to 33-36.
JAYLEN BROWN AND JAYSON TATUM ARE THE BEST DUO IN THE NBA pic.twitter.com/p4QfOV1are
— Ian Inangelo (@iinangelo) March 19, 2026
The Celtics are only 3.5 games behind the Detroit Pistons for the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, though they lost both regular-season matchups against the Cade Cunningham-led team.
They remain formidable, however, ranking second in offensive rating, fifth in defensive rating, and second in net rating leaguewide
Tatum has played in only five games this season following his return from an Achilles injury. Entering Wednesday’s victory, he was averaging 20.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game while shooting 40.9% from the floor.
Brown has appeared in 61 games this season, averaging 28.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game, shooting 47.9 percent from the floor
With Tatum and Brown back together, the Celtics may be the most formidable team in the Eastern Conference. Boston fans hope Tatum remains healthy for the remainder of the season as the Celtics aim for a deep playoff run.
