Beal calls playing with Jayson Tatum 'an honor' originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
They both grew up in St. Louis, MO, went to Chaminade High School and became All-Stars in the NBA, but it wasn't until Sunday night that Bradley Beal and Jayson Tatum played together on the same team in an organized basketball game.
Beal and Tatum were rooting for that to happen once they each learned they would be Eastern Conference All-Stars. But it required them to be picked for the same team now that NBA All-Star games follow a pick-up format.
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Kevin Durant, however, chose them both and Tatum ended up replacing Durant, who is injured, in the starting lineup.
"It was fun, man. That's my brother. That's my brother forever. It was very unique and awesome to be able to share the floor with him and for us both to get going. We've never been on the same team. That in itself an honor," Beal said.
Beal led Team Durant with 26 points while Tatum had 21 points and seven assists. They lost all four quarters to Team LeBron and the game by a final score of 170-150. The NBA keeps a separate score for each quarter and bases charitable donations off of the result.
Related: Beal praises league's support of HBCUs at 2021 NBA All-Star Game
Beal and Tatum, though, each played well and Beal felt they represented their hometown in a good way.
"We were both ecstatic about it. We were happy. Us St. Louis boys always have to stick together. We were happy that we were selected on the same team and we got to come out tonight and showcase that for the world," Beal said.
