Tatum Turns in Clunker, but Celtics Win Anyway
Tatum Turns in Clunker, but Celtics Win Anyway
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum had a subpar performance in Game 1 of the NBA’s Eastern Conference finals, as his squad dispatched the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-99 at TD Garden. The Celtics star shot 7-for-19 from the field and missed all seven of his three-point attempts, but still led all scorers with 22 points thanks to 13-for-13 shooting from the free throw line and five rebounds (four offensive). Tatum has been an absolute monster in this postseason, averaging 28 points per game while shooting 54 percent from the field and 60 percent from three-point range.
On his best game ever
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum turned in his worst game of his young career Sunday night, scoring five points on 2-of-13 shooting with three turnovers. However, when it was all said and done, Tatum had a championship ring to show for it. Credit goes to Brad Stevens and Al Horford for making sure Tatum stayed engaged on defense while staying ready to help contribute whenever he might be needed. It wasn't easy -- especially given that Kawhi Leonard abused him all night -- but Tatum took his lumps and learned from them. He'll bounce back with a better performance as a result.
On his worst game ever
His postseason debut was not a good one. He finished with just 5 points and 2 rebounds while shooting 1-for-8 from the field. The lack of scoring has been a knock on Tatum since he came into college, and it showed again during his first NBA game. But his performance won’t necessarily determine how he plays over the course of his rookie season or even his career — if only because it’s impossible to predict what kind of numbers Tatum will put up each night. One big shot or play could swing how people view him (just ask Jayson Werth), so it’s not time to label him as a bust or a superstar based on one playoff game — whether that game is good or bad.
On what he learned from both games
I was actually more focused on our team than I was about me individually. We know what type of team we have to be if we want to beat a good team like that. We’re playing against a great organization, a great coach and great players, so you have to bring it every night. If you have any lapses or mistakes they’re going to capitalize on them. That’s something I learned that my teammates can always count on me no matter how well I play individually. It’s really just about bringing that fight and hunger every night because we need it if we want to get over that hump.