The Boston Celtics are considered a favorite to win the Eastern Conference and hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy as the 2026 NBA Playoffs begin, and the spectacular return of Jayson Tatum is a major reason for that.
The All-NBA wing is seeking to put last year’s Achilles tear behind him, and he opened this year’s playoff run with a statement game that made history and amazed the NBA world.
Jayson Tatum Turns Heads by Passing Kobe Bryant in NBA Playoff History Books
Tatum helped the Celtics open their first-round playoff series with a 123-91 win against the Philadelphia 76ers. Tatum had a near triple-double, finishing with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists.
However, his lone made 3-pointer during the game is the headline, as he passed Los Angeles Lakers great Kobe Bryant on the NBA’s all-time playoff 3-pointers made list.
The NBA’s official X account shared the news: “TATUM PASSES KOBE With this three, Jayson Tatum passes Kobe Bryant for 11th on the all-time playoff 3-POINTERS MADE list!”
TATUM PASSES KOBE 👏
With this three, Jayson Tatum passes Kobe Bryant for 11th on the all-time playoff 3-POINTERS MADE list! pic.twitter.com/0tV3Cf6oW8
— NBA (@NBA) April 19, 2026
Celtics Files weighed in on X, saying “#Celtics Jayson Tatum moved to 11th all-time for 3-pointers in the playoffs, passing his idol Kobe Bryant.” Tatum was a huge fan of Bryant growing up, and the Lakers legend became a mentor to him once Tatum entered the NBA.
Tatum had multiple workouts with Bryant in 2018 and called the entire experience “surreal.” Tatum shared that Bryant helped improve his footwork, mid-range game, and overall awareness of the game.
#Celtics Jayson Tatum moved to 11th all-time for 3-pointers in the playoffs, passing his idol Kobe Bryant pic.twitter.com/nUQL11wh8j
— The Celtics Files (@CelticsFiles) April 19, 2026
Kalshi Hoops said on X: “Jayson Tatum passes Kobe Bryant to become 11th all-time in most threes made in NBA playoff history: Stephen Curry 650 Klay Thompson 501 LeBron James 481 ……. JR Smith 294 Jayson Tatum 293 Kobe Bryant 292.”
Tatum’s accomplishment is impressive because he’s still just 28 years old and he’s not a 3-point specialist. While he has shot over 40% from three before, he’s known for his offensive versatility. He shot 1-of-7 from deep in the Celtics’ Game 1 win.
Jayson Tatum passes Kobe Bryant to become 11th all-time in most threes made in NBA Playoff History :
Stephen Curry – 650
Klay Thompson – 501
LeBron James – 481
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JR Smith – 294
Jayson Tatum – 293
Kobe Bryant – 292 pic.twitter.com/Ijn1Gu51oL— Kalshi Hoops (@KalshiHoops) April 19, 2026
NBA content creator John Richardson joked on X, saying, “Jayson Tatum is definitely gonna make a Kobe post after the game lol.” Tatum infamously texted Bryant’s phone number during the Celtics’ run to the 2022 NBA Finals.
ChampionsBleedGreen said on X, “Tatum doing this at age 28 is actually insane.”
One influencer added: “Jayson Tatum is only 28 years old and is already almost top 10 in all time playoff 3-pointers made. He’ll end up as one of the greatest to ever touch a basketball.”
Jayson Tatum is only 28 years old and is already almost top 10 in all time playoff 3-pointers made
he’ll end up as one of the greatest to ever touch a basketball pic.twitter.com/ioEXwydNoN
— SK⚡️ (@raptalksk) April 19, 2026
Tatum’s trainer Drew Hanlen praised Tatum and promised that the best is yet to come.
“And he’s just getting entering his prime,” Hanlen wrote.
Given Tatum’s relative youth and Boston’s juggernaut of a roster, he has a strong chance to keep climbing this list and finish his career as one of the NBA’s greatest shooters in postseason history.
