Jayson Tatum has put up at least 35 points in three consecutive playoff games in the series against the Orlando Magic. His contributions went a long way in helping the Boston Celtics clinch the series against the Magic in 5 games. But there’s a reason why he led the Cs into the second round with such authority. It has everything to do with the title he won last year, and it’s why he also made history tonight.

You see, nothing’s been the same for JT after he won his first NBA ring last year. It’s not a stretch to say that his entire perception of the entire game changed. It’s leading to him playing some of the basketball of his career. And tonight, after dispatching the Magic, he let reporters know in the post-game press conference about what changed within him after beating Luka Doncic and his former team, the Dallas Mavericks, in the 2024 NBA Finals.

“Yeah. I said it, this season was, like, the most relaxed and carefree that I’ve been in my career. Understanding that we won last year, and we accomplished the ultimate goal. And kinda got that monkey off your back. So obviously, the goal is still the same this year: to win and compete for a championship. But, I’ve just enjoyed this season of playing carefree basketball, and not having to hang over my head. And, it’s been fun to do. And, I just have, just a sense of freedom. I’ve just carried this season with that,” said one half of the Celtics’ star duo.

And JT explained how playing “carefree basketball” has affected his game. “I’m not worried about trying to prove anybody wrong or anything like that. It’s an understanding. I know what I’m capable of.” And this new and improved understanding of his own skillset and playing this way is already paying dividends for Tatum.

Jayson has managed to raise his game to new heights. After a quiet Game 1 and missing Game 2 due to a bone bruise, Tatum came back with a vengeance. He dropped 36 points and 9 boards in Game 3, 37 points and a staggering 14 rebounds in Game 4, and tonight he dropped another 35 points off a crazy 80% shooting from beyond the arc to guide the Celtics to an easy 120-89 victory. JT is on something crazy this postseason, and playing “carefree” basketball, as he puts it, might just be why.

But that’s not all. Remember how we said JT made history tonight? Well, it’s time we talked about that.

Jayson Tatum sets a unique free-throw record in Game 5 against the Magic

It may get tiring for you, but there’s just no overstating how brilliant Jayson Tatum was in the last 3 games for the Boston Celtics. And he capped off this brilliant run in the perfect way: by earning a place in the NBA’s record books. So what did he do? Well, Jayson Tatum is the first player in NBA history to make more than 10 free throws in three consecutive playoff games. And he did it while maintaining 100% accuracy. Is that not astounding?

JT shot 12 for 12 in Game 3, 14 for 14 in Game 4, and 11 for 11 in Game 5. If you’re good at math, you’ll know by now that Jayson went 37/37 from the free-throw line against the Magic. Weirdly, the only free throws he missed were in Game 1, where he went 0-4 from the free throw line. Then again, his bone bruise may have thrown off his aim.

Regardless, Jayson Tatum has shown one thing in this series above all else. The conversations about the best player in the league are incomplete if Jayson Tatum isn’t brought up in them. And there’s excellent reason to believe that the “carefree basketball” he’s been playing has added to his case!