In life, when crazy things happen and action needs to be taken, first responders hit the scene to solve the issue. Boston Celtics star forward Jayson Tatum, needed a first responder in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night.
Jayson Tatum was 2-for-10 in the fourth quarter and overtime, including 0-for-4 from 3.
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) May 22, 2024
But then on back-to-back trips, he converts an and-one layup and a 3-pointer, and Boston now leads by four with 42.8 seconds to go.
What a wild escape this would be for the Celtics.
Tatum, despite having an excellent stat line, was atrocious in the fourth quarter, nearly blowing the game for the Cs. However, Tatum saved his best for last, exploding for 10 points in the overtime period. Tatum was his own first responder, which was not the first time this has happened in his career.
Jayson Tatum's 10 points in OT is the most for any player in a playoff game since 2021. pic.twitter.com/X9D6sBAyL4
— ☘︎ (@CelticsRepublic) May 22, 2024
Over the years, Tatum has made it a habit to create a sticky situation for himself, and then find a way to pull himself out of it. The most recent example before Tuesday was his performance in the fourth quarter of Game 6 of the second round against the Philadelphia 76ers last season. Tatum, after struggling for most of the night, hit multiple clutch 3-pointers to force a Game 7.
Although it's not the best way to approach playoff games, Tatum has shown that he can be his own first responder in these games. The turnaround on Tuesday night against the Pacers was remarkable because Tatum appeared to be feeling the pressure. After Jaylen Brown hit the miraculous 3-pointer in the closing seconds of the fourth quarter, Tatum played excellently in OT, hitting a clutch three and a layup.
Jayson Tatum proving he's a great player with clutch-time performances for the Boston Celtics
As Tatum continues to grow and develop, moments like this are what’s going to bring the best out of him. Great players have the ability to perform in the clutch, despite having a poor game or quarter. The Celtics and their fans should have confidence in Tatum this postseason because he has proven to be a hero in clutch moments.
The Jayson Tatum turnover in OT looked like it shifted all the momentum. But then he showed us WHY HE IS HIM. He got it back with an And 1 and then hit them with a side step 3 pointer to extend the lead. THAT’S HOW YOU RESPOND TO ADVERSITY. pic.twitter.com/m9mnTwBnd0
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) May 22, 2024
The national media can continue to slander Tatum for his “poor play,” but if Tatum continues to be his own first responder, the Celtics will be raising another banner.
Jayson Tatum in his last 4 games:
— Drew Hanlen (@DrewHanlen) May 22, 2024
31.8 Points per game
11.5 Rebounds per game
6.0 Assists per game
2.5 Steals per game
47% from the field
While playing great defense & leading the entire playoffs in +/-