Celtics Fans Noticed an Unbelievable Detail in Jayson Tatum's Dunk on LeBron James

Celtics Fans Noticed an Unbelievable Detail in Jayson Tatum's Dunk on LeBron James originally appeared on NESN.
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Jayson Tatum dunked on LeBron James.

No, it's not 2018. Tatum dunked on the NBA legend for the second time in his career during Boston's 123-101 win over Philadelphia on Tuesday.

You'd be forgiven if you thought you had traveled back in time because the two dunks were remarkably similar.

Both times, James rotated over as a help defender to meet Tatum at the rim, only for the Celtics star to hammer home a right-handed dunk over him.

Another crazy detail? The score was exactly the same both times.

In 2018, LeBron's Cavaliers led 71-67 before Tatum's dunk. In 2026, Tatum's Celtics led 71-67 before his dunk.

Jayson Tatum dunking on LeBron James in 2018 and 2026 side by side https://t.co/L6Un5GySpD

— thirty33 (@thirtyy33) November 11, 2026

MORE: What We Learned From Boston's Blowout Win Over Philadelphia

Fortunately for Tatum, the outcome was a little different on Tuesday.

Whereas LeBron's Cavaliers went on to beat the Celtics in Game 7 of the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals, Tatum's dunk helped fuel a resounding Boston victory on Tuesday.

Tatum finished Tuesday's game with 21 points, six rebounds, four assists and two blocks.

Tatum previously revealed that he has a giant picture of his 2018 dunk over James hanging in his house. Perhaps Tuesday's poster will earn a spot next to it.