Boston Celtics: 3 keys to series clinching win today against Philadelphia

C’s key to victory No. 3) Jayson Tatum’s offense needs to bounce back

We’ve discussed this many a time in the past: in these playoffs, the Boston Celtics will go as far as Jayson Tatum will take them.

With how poorly his scoring efficiency was in game-three, the team was lucky to have slipped out with a victory.

As mentioned in the previous slide, Tatum got into foul trouble early, picking up three in the first quarter (he ended with four in total). Because of this, we could not be as physical as he typically is — frankly, on both sides — and, in turn, settled often for pull up jumpers rather than opting to barrel to the basket for a finish at the rim.

In 32 minutes, the All-Star finished with 15 points to go along with six rebounds, one steal and, yes, an impressive four blocks. However, his shooting efficiency nearly cost Boston the game, as he converted at a 32 percent clip from the field and a 22 percent clip from deep.

Now, we know this is not a typical output for Tatum, so worry that this will be a constant is relatively low.

That said, with that fact that Boston is severely hobbled with Gordon Hayward in the lineup, everyone else needs to be on their A-game and then some if they want to go as far as they are capable of.

Obviously, this includes Jayson Tatum.