Boston, MA - April 3: Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kenrich Williams steals the ball away from Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown in the fourth quarter. (Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics secured a Game 4 victory over the Miami Heat in their playoff series on Monday, taking a 3-1 lead in the matchup with a 102-88 win. However, injuries became a focal point during the game.
Kristaps Porzingis faced a moment of injury uncertainty, while Jayson Tatum also suffered an apparent ankle issue later in the game. Despite this setback, Tatum persisted, logging over 37 minutes of play and contributing 20 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists. Although not his standout performance, Derrick White’s remarkable 38-point game propelled Boston to a crucial win.
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Concerns lingered regarding Tatum’s injury, with the Celtics hoping it’s minor. Tatum expressed frustration about the recurrence of his ankle trouble, exacerbated by an incident involving Bam Adebayo during the game, resulting in a flagrant 1 for Adebayo.
While Tatum remains a cornerstone player for the Celtics, his shooting performance was inconsistent in Game 4, compounded by struggles from Jaylen Brown and an early exit by Kristaps Porzingis due to injury.
Derrick White’s impressive performance drew praise from Tatum, highlighting the importance of aggressiveness among teammates to enhance the team’s effectiveness.
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Despite their lead, the Celtics face a resilient Miami team, especially without injured star Jimmy Butler. Boston aims to close out the series in Game 5 at home, prioritizing player health to sustain their playoff momentum.
Attention remains on Tatum’s injury status, though his substantial playing time in Game 4 offers optimism. Game 5 is set for Wednesday night in Boston, with the Celtics eyeing advancement to the second round.
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