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Boston Celtics: Why Jayson Tatum could be in for another big game against Nets

By Cesar Fuentes

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 01: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates after Grant Williams #12 scored against the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden on March 01, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Hawks 107-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MARCH 01: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates after Grant Williams #12 scored against the Atlanta Hawks at TD Garden on March 01, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Hawks 107-98. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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30 points, 26 points, 24 points, 33 points, and 37 points. Those are the scoring totals for All-Star Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum in his past five games, landing him just outside the top ten in points per game around the league.

And he could be in for another big game come Sunday.

During this five game stretch, Jayson Tatum has been playing out of his mind, really playing like the player us Celtics fans have come to know and love.

Sunday afternoon, the (38-17) Boston Celtics welcome the (32-32) Brooklyn Nets.

This season when playing Brooklyn, Tatum is averaging 21 points per game on 16 attempts, shooting 45% from the field. Usually, teammate Jaylen Brown would be his go-to guy as he’s scoring 18 points per game against the Nets, but Jaylen Brown may be out with his ankle injury another game.

When first asked about Jaylen Browns injury, Coach Ime Udoka said that it looks like it’s “nothing long term. I’m not sure of the severity of the grade, but it didn’t look like anything major that’ll (keep him) out for weeks.”

That’s relieving for all Boston Celtics fans to hear.

With Brown being potentially out, it’s just another opportunity for Tatum to really flourish scoring wise.

When Brown is out, Jayson Tatum scores at a VERY, very efficient clip. about 30 points per game in the 15 games Tatum has played with his All-Star teammate out.

The reason he has such a high chance of going off against the Nets, is because last game, against Memphis, he put up 37 points.

“Why does that mean anything?” you may be wondering.

Well, the Grizzlies defensive rating is ranked eighth best in the entire Association. Brooklyn’s defensive rating? Tied for 23rd with the Orlando Magic at 112.

Let’s also not forget that Tatum had a 50 point performance against the Nets just a few months ago in a game where he was virtually the only option for the Boston Celtics offense.

This time around, Boston has more scorers, giving Tatum an offensive advantage. Double teams will still be thrown at him, but not as frequently. They know he’s going to drive downhill, but if you send another defender, he can confidently kick it out to a shooter that can hit a corner three.

Since this is KD’s second game back from injury, it’ll be interesting to see how the Celtics perform against the Nets this time around, but it will also be interesting to see how the Nets try to contain the pure scorer of Jayson Tatum.

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