The Boston Celtics faced another setback in their recent series, dropping game two at home despite being heavily favored. While they secured a convincing win in game one against the Cleveland Cavaliers, they suffered a resounding defeat in the second game. Although Boston initially took a nine-point lead in the first quarter, the Cavaliers dominated the latter half of the game, clinching a 118-94 victory and evening the series at one game apiece.
Jayson Tatum, a key player for the Celtics, has come under scrutiny for his scoring performance during the playoffs. Despite tallying 25 points in the Thursday night game, shooting 7 for 17 with a 40% accuracy from three-point range, critics like Bill Simmons have expressed disappointment in his overall shooting ability.
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Simmons highlighted Tatum’s statistical performance, noting a decline in his three-point shooting percentages over recent seasons and playoffs. Despite his solid point contribution, Tatum’s performance hasn’t matched the standout performances of other players like Jalen Brunson, who consistently scores 30-40 points, even after missing portions of games.
Tatum’s underwhelming playoff performance hasn’t gone unnoticed by other analysts like Stephen A. Smith, who remarked on Tatum’s subpar numbers compared to his previous postseason appearances. With expectations high for Tatum as one of the NBA’s top talents, his current form falls short of what many anticipate from him during crucial playoff games.
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While the Celtics managed against the Miami Heat despite Tatum’s slump, their success against the Cavaliers and their ultimate championship aspirations hinge significantly on Tatum’s ability to elevate his game. If he fails to rediscover his form soon, it could pose a significant obstacle to the Celtics’ championship aspirations.
