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Jayson Tatum is rising to the occasion in big games this season

By Dylan Thompson

Jayson Tatum scored 41 points against the Milwaukee Bucks on Christmas Day and he is the clear MVP frontrunner for the Boston Celtics Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jayson Tatum scored 41 points against the Milwaukee Bucks on Christmas Day and he is the clear MVP frontrunner for the Boston Celtics Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jayson Tatum gave Boston Celtics fans an excellent Christmas Day performance that included a 41-point outburst and a C’s victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. The win stamps Boston as the best team in the Eastern Conference and gives Tatum another excellent performance on national television. The performance reflects Tatum’s ability to rise to the occasion this season.

Tatum’s 41 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals were impressive, and it makes him the clear frontrunner for the MVP award. Tatum took over the game, and he dominated on both ends of the floor. What stuck out to me was how in the third quarter, Tatum and Giannis Antetokounmpo both wanted to take over the quarter, and they both seemed determined to put their stamp on the game. Tatum firmly won the quarter as he had 20 points, and he looked virtually unstoppable. Tatum’s ability to take over the quarter against arguably the best player in the NBA goes a long way toward him being the MVP favorite.

After a rough stretch in early December, Tatum is back to his elite play, and he has found his groove again. Tatum is in the midst of one of the best seasons by a Boston Celtics player ever, which is amazing considering the great players that have played for the organization. Tatum’s recent five-game stretch has helped the Celtics right the ship after losing five out of six games. He has five straight games with 30+ points.

Tatum’s performance on Christmas Day also highlights how he has played his best when it has mattered most this season. Tatum’s dominant third quarter and poster dunk on Giannis are the moments Tatum needs to secure his first MVP. He has also performed at a high level against the other MVP candidates, which is needed to win the award. Besides a poor performance on national television against the Golden State Warriors, Tatum has excelled in every big game this season.

As the season nears the midway point, Tatum should continue to play at a high level with a first MVP on his radar.

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