Boston Celtics: 3 takeaways from pivotal Game 3 win over Brooklyn
By Ryan Cinque
The Boston Celtics picked up a pivotal Game 3 win over the Brooklyn Nets. Teams that fall behind 3-0 in a first-round playoff series are a combined 0-143, so both teams knew how important this game was.
The Celtics were up to the challenge once again and did what they’ve done best since January, and they did it with their defense.
They made life difficult for Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant once again and even though the role players stepped up for Brooklyn, they couldn’t win with their big guns shooting blanks.
The C’s, on the other hand, got huge games out of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown as they led Boston to a commanding 3-0 series lead.
Here are 3 takeaways from the 109-103 victory Saturday night:
Boston Celtics takeaway No. 1) Jayson Tatum is an elite two-way superstar
Jayson Tatum has improved in each one of his NBA seasons from both a statistical standpoint and by overall impact. He has always been an absolute bucket on offense and has proven to be a great defender through his first five seasons.
He continues to impress fans with his improvements and he has seemingly reached a new level in this year’s playoffs.
His mix of elite shot-making and playmaking was impressive enough as it is, but adding in the incredible defense he has displayed on Kevin Durant and we’re looking at the true beginnings of a two-way superstar.
There are a handful of NBA stars who are elite offensively but lack that same commitment to excellence on the defensive end. In most cases, it holds those players back from making deep playoff runs.
Luckily for Boston Celtics fans, Tatum is not one of those players.
He has completely bought into Ime Udoka’s philosophy and is fully committed on both ends of the floor. It’s always a great thing when your superstar player is both the best offensive and defensive player on the floor and Tatum has been that guy all series long against one of the toughest assignments in basketball.
He scored a game-high 39 points on Saturday night while also grabbing a playoff career-high six steals. The 3x All-Star aided in holding Durant to just 16 points and a team-high five turnovers.
Jayson Tatum is ridiculously good and has officially earned the reputation as a two-way superstar.