Boston Celtics: 3 keys to victory vs. Toronto after devastating game-three loss
By Mark Nilon
Boston Celtics key to victory No. 1) Improved shooting from Jayson Tatum
Typically speaking, a team will only go as far as their best player allows them. Game-three for the Boston Celtics proved to be a prime example of this sentiment.
Throughout the 2020 postseason, All-Star Jayson Tatum has truly proven to be one of the best players currently in the bubble — despite his omission from Bleacher Report’s top-10 player resumes. Through seven games played the wing finds himself boasting career-best playoff averages of 25.4 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game on 46 percent shooting from the floor and 45 percent shooting from deep.
Unfortunately, however, his unbelievable play, specifically on offense, didn’t end up rolling into their last game against Toronto and, in the end, the game was eventually lost. While the exhibition’s outcome cannot solely be blamed on Tatum’s performance — as Anunoby hit a tremendous shot thanks to well drawn-out inbounds play — had he gotten more shots to drop, perhaps they wouldn’t have found themselves only being up by two in the final second of regulation and we’d be looking at a 3-0 series lead right about now.
On the night, the 22-year-old put up 15 points on a putrid 28 percent shooting from the floor, 13 percent shooting from deep and a box plus/ minus of -3.
As their main offensive weapon, Jayson Tatum needs to step up his shooting efficiency in game-four if they really want to have a chance at going up 3-1.