The Boston Celtics are on a tear, demolishing the New Orleans Pelicans 144-118 on April 10th to cap a perfect five-game run. Their recent form of 5W-0D-0L has them looking unstoppable, and at the heart of this surge is Jayson Tatum. His dominant performances are reigniting the conversation: does Boston possess the best small forward in the NBA today?
Tatum isn't just a scorer. He's evolved into a complete two-way wing who impacts every facet of the game. At 28, he's entering his prime with a skillset that includes scoring from anywhere, high-level rebounding, and exceptional playmaking. He creates shots for himself and others while also serving as a formidable weak-side defender. This versatility was on full display during the Celtics' recent winning streak, which included a 133-101 road win over the Milwaukee Bucks on April 4th and a 147-129 victory in Miami on April 1st.
Comparing him to other elite young talents like Anthony Edwards or Victor Wembanyama is tricky. Those players are rising stars, but Tatum is already there. He's a proven playoff performer and a consistent All-NBA selection. His ability to carry the offensive load while guarding multiple positions gives Boston a strategic edge few teams can match.
Tatum's all-around game is the engine for the Celtics' high-octane offense. When he's facilitating, it opens up the floor for everyone else. Look at the scorelines from their last five games. They've blown out contenders, winning by an average of over 20 points during this stretch. After beating the Charlotte Hornets 113-102 on April 8th, they dismantled the Pelicans.
His presence creates mismatches that opponents struggle to solve. He can post up smaller defenders, blow by bigger ones, and shoot over the top. This constant threat forces defenses to collapse, leading to open three-pointers and easy baskets for his teammates. It's a system that has produced historic offensive outputs, like the 147 points they hung on the Heat.
The immediate future is about maintaining this blistering form as the playoffs approach. A team with a 5-0 record in its last five games, including wins over the Bucks, Heat, and a 120-99 victory against the Golden State Warriors on March 18th, is sending a clear message to the league. Tatum's continued growth as a leader and playmaker will be the single biggest factor in any championship pursuit.
The goal is clear: convert this regular-season dominance into a deep postseason run. With Jayson Tatum playing at an MVP level, the Celtics have as good a chance as anyone.
