Tatum awakens, Holiday dazzles: Takeaways from Boston Celtics' Game 3 win over Cavs
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Jayson Tatum had his best game of the Playoffs
They doubted you Big Deuce
— Playoff Meatman ☘️ R2 (2-1) (@TheMeatman253) May 12, 2024
They said you were being carried Big Deuce
They said you were slumping you’re way through the playoffs Big Deuce
Well, guess you showed them @jaytatum0 😏#DifferentHere | #ALLINCELTICS pic.twitter.com/6GPrTcF7yd
When the pressure rises to its apex, Jayson Tatum ascends into superstar mode. The six-foot-eight wing erupted for 33 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists on 11/25 shooting and a perfect 9/9 from the foul line. His three-point ball was not going so Tatum did most of his work in the low post and aggressively getting into the lane at will.
There have been two different versions of JT these playoffs. Either he forces the issue and tries to take over the game himself and this wrecks the flow of the rest of the teams' offense or the other scenario is the lack of aggression. He turns into a six-foot-eight point guard trying to get everyone else going but himself. The offense for the team may function better at times, but it does nothing for the confidence of our All-Star.
Tonight was the happy medium of him having a well-rounded performance.
This is the version of Tatum that will ultimately aid the Cs in raising Banner 18. Yes, Donovan Mitchell scored the ball at will tonight, but it was number zero who had the more complete game. Getting himself going and making his teammates better in the process. The only complaint could be cutting down the turnovers as five is too high of a mark.