TATUM REACHES BIRD'S HEIGHTS

He dominates Bulls game, joins legend as only Celtics to record 40-pt triple-double

- AFP

LOS ANGELES - Jayson Tatum said it was "special" to match Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird after he exploded for 43 points in his first triple-double of the season on Dec 21.

The five-time All-Star's exploits helped the National Basketball Association (NBA) champions beat the Chicago Bulls 123-98 to avenge a defeat just days earlier.

Tatum added 15 rebounds and 10 assists in a dominant performance in Chicago, connecting on 16 of his 24 shot attempts and nine of 15 from three-point range.

He joined Hall of Famer and three-time NBA champion Bird as the only Celtics player to record a 40-point triple-double.

Tatum, 26, said: "Larry Bird is probably the best player to ever wear this uniform. So any time you accomplish something in the same sentence as him, it's something special, even if you never reach that pinnacle."

He also joined current Los Angeles Clippers star James Harden as the only players to record at least 40 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists and nine three-pointers in a game.