Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum was named a starter for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game earlier this week, his fifth All-Star nod as a pro. Tatum was one of the top vote getters among fans, securing his trip to Indianapolis for the league’s annual showcase.
Saturday night was Tatum’s first home game since the starters for the game were officially announced. During a timeout halfway through the first quarter of Boston’s loss to the visiting Los Angeles Clippers, the team’s PA announcer congratulated Tatum, ushering in a loud ovation from fans. Following the game, Tatum was asked about the moment.
“That was great,” Tatum said. “It was very special.”
Jayson Tatum named starter for 2024 NBA All-Star Game https://t.co/x0RX7uh46G pic.twitter.com/OSPiejpujO
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) January 26, 2024
Tatum was among the most popular selections for the game. Fan voting accounts for 50 percent of the formula for selecting All-Star starters.
“You know, a lot of the people in there voted for me to help make that happen,” Tatum said. “It was a cool moment to kind of show my appreciation and that I was really grateful for that moment and thankful for the the fans.”
The Garden PA congratulates Jayson Tatum on being named an All-Star Starter, and Big Deuce thanks the crowd pic.twitter.com/cg3zvUes10
— Cameron Tabatabaie (@CTabatabaie) January 28, 2024
Tatum’s 4.8 million votes was the second highest total in the Eastern Conference behind only Giannis Antetokounmpo. Overall, he secured the third most fan votes this year. As a result, he’ll have a good chance to defending his All-Star MVP title in a few weeks.
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