The fact that Celtics fans are already this worked up and distraught over needing at least six games to dispose of the 76ers is largely a reflection on how incredible Jayson Tatum has been. He truly doesn’t look like he has missed a beat; after about a month of ramp-up in March and early April, he is right back to dominating the playoffs.
Make no mistake about it, Tatum has been Boston’s best player through five games, and it’s not particularly close. He’s averaging 24.6 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 7.6 assists, while shooting 48% from the field, 37% from three, and 82% from the free throw line.
On top of that, he’s right back to playing elite defense, showing the ability to guard 1-5, switch onto just about anyone on the Sixers, and keep players like Tyrese Maxey and Paul George away from the rim.Â
Celtics need to watch Tatum’s minutes, but can’t afford to have him sit
JT is doing it all for the Celtics, and he has quickly made it look completely normal and routine, even though it’s not. At all. And therein lies the cause for concern; still not even a full year removed from his achilles tear, Tatum is right back to averaging almost 38 minutes a game.
He was able to get a little bit of late rest in the two blowout wins (32 and 35 minutes), but in the three close games, JT has been at 39, 41, and 42 minutes. Combined with the burden he’s carrying on both ends and the intensity and physicality of these games, that’s a little concerning this early on in the comeback.
It feels like the Celtics are playing with fire as Tatum clearly wants to get right back to the guy he was, and the coaches are happy to oblige. And what choice do they have? They need Tatum badly, and as the games go on, they’re only going to need him even more.
Celtics fans should appreciate what they're watching
They’ve got options in guys like Jordan Walsh and Baylor Scheierman, who could take on more minutes, but it’s clear to anyone watching: this team needs Tatum on the floor as much as possible to hit their ceiling.
Plus, Tatum has made it clear since day one of his recovery that he didn’t want to return as a role player; he wanted to come back and be Jayson Tatum. While it’s a little scary to think about all this tread being put on his tires in what’s still just round one, all Celtics fans can do is hold their breath, trust the medical experts and Tatum and his team, who have obviously signed off on this, and keep rooting on #0 and the Celtics.
Enjoy what we’re watching from a generational player and athlete, and don’t take one single second of it for granted.
Add us as a preferred source on Google