Tatum, Curry share mutual respect after high-scoring duel

Jayson Tatum and Stephen Curry had some kind words for one another after their high-scoring duel in prime time.

The two stars spoke Saturday after Tatum went off for 44 points against the Golden State Warriors to help the Boston Celtics overcome a masterful 47-point effort from Curry and earn a 119-114 victory.

"Just mutual respect," Tatum said of his brief conversation with Curry, according to ESPN's Tim Bontemps. "Obviously, two big performances. I was glad that we got the win, but obviously, he's one of the all-time greats.

"Just to earn his respect and get a win on the same night ... it was a good night."

Curry applauded the strides Tatum has made early in his career and believes the sky is the limit for the young Celtics forward.

"I just told him he's super tough, man," Curry said. "You can tell the game has slowed down for him, just in the way he picks and chooses his spots and how he kind of manages the game. He's shooting the ball a lot better from the perimeter, but when that game slows down, I don't know if it's four or five years in, whatever he is, that's when you become lethal.

"With your skill set, his size, their system features him, so he's a supreme talent. Supreme talent."

Tatum shot 16-of-25 from the field, including 5-of-9 from beyond the arc. The 23-year-old also had 10 boards, three assists, and two steals. The Celtics needed all of it as Curry continued his torrid stretch of play.

The two-time MVP registered his 10th straight 30-point game, becoming the first player since Kobe Bryant to accomplish the feat at age 33 or older. Curry drilled 11-of-19 attempts from distance for his NBA record-extending 20th game with at least 10 triples.