Forget the MVP. The Celtics simply want Jayson Tatum to carry out when it issues most.
Tatum was already a longshot to win MVP, however these hopes have been basically misplaced in Thursday’s loss to the Nuggets, when the Celtics star didn’t make an actual influence within the potential NBA Finals preview. But because the Celtics proceed their pursuit of an elusive championship, the efficiency was a reminder that Tatum must do a greater job of stepping up in these huge moments.
Tatum has unquestionably grown in his seventh NBA season. His decision-making and talent to learn the sport has gotten higher. He has guided the Celtics to the very best file within the league, and positively deserved MVP consideration. But nearly as good as he’s grow to be, there was a actuality verify this week that there’s nonetheless one other stage he wants to succeed in to steer the Celtics to glory.
The newest proof got here Thursday, when Tatum scored simply 15 factors with eight assists and 5 turnovers, and missed a large open, go-ahead 3-pointer within the ultimate minute because the Celtics misplaced 115-109 and have been swept by the defending champion Nuggets within the season collection. While Jaylen Brown erupted for 41 factors and appeared primed for the chance, Tatum virtually resorted to being a spectator. On the opposite facet, two-time MVP Nikola Jokic proved to be the distinction with a 32-point triple-double.
The distinction between Jokic and Tatum was noticeable. Jokic, a confirmed champion, appeared snug and assured all evening. He acquired to his spots on virtually each possession, and was at excessive ease as he gave the Nuggets precisely once they wanted – particularly in crunch time – to drag out the victory. Meanwhile, Tatum struggled with the completely different coverages the Nuggets threw at him. He appeared uncomfortable. Like different related conditions up to now, he didn’t put his stamp on the second.
“I don’t try to make it about myself or necessarily (an) individual matchup,” Tatum instructed reporters in Denver. “That’s just not the way our team is set up. Sometimes it’s the flow of the game, it is your night, you are getting more shots or whatever, but we just have such a well-balanced team that it might not necessarily be your night, other guys may have it going. … I say it all the time, we talk about respecting each other’s space and understanding the flow of the game, so it’s not on me to like, hijack the game and try to make it about me, and it’s a national TV game. Other guys had it going, so if I had to be in the corner, if I had to be a facilitator at times, so be it.”
No one is saying Tatum has to “hijack” the sport, however the Celtics do want him to be higher on greater phases. They want him to be higher in key moments in the event that they’re going to say Banner No. 18 come June.
Tatum definitely has his share of clutch, signature playoff performances – Game 6 at Milwaukee in 2022, Game 7 towards Philadelphia final season – however the stench of his underwhelming 2022 NBA Finals efficiency nonetheless lingers. He was youthful and nonetheless looking for his manner then. He turned 26 final Sunday and this needs to be his time now – particularly with the expertise that surrounds him.
Tatum has taken some steps this season, however his crunch time woes are nonetheless a query. He was unable to carry the Celtics over the Nuggets within the first matchup in January, which included botching the ultimate shot that sealed their first dwelling lack of the season. Those issues resurfaced in Tuesday’s loss to the Cavaliers, which included poor administration of the ultimate possession, when the Celtics trailed by one and Tatum dribbled the final 19 seconds down earlier than lacking a fadeaway jumper. Then got here Thursday, when his influence was noticeably absent.
In the fourth quarter of the Celtics’ losses to the Cavs and Nuggets this week, Tatum was a mixed 2-for-14 capturing. He merely must be higher in these spots, particularly when he instructions a lot of the ball.
As of Saturday, the Celtics and Nuggets are the betting favorites to fulfill within the NBA Finals. If that occurs, it is going to be a chess match. As their two conferences this season confirmed, there’s not a lot that separates them. But the Nuggets have a championship contact, and the Celtics don’t.
“They beat us a couple times. The margin of who wins and who loses is so small,” Kristaps Porzingis mentioned. “It’s very small. It could have gone our way and we’re having a completely different (conversation) and you’re saying, ‘You guys look like you have Denver’s number.’ It could go both ways.”
There are a number of issues that might have flipped Thursday’s matchup. The Celtics may have discovered a greater resolution for stopping Jokic. Brown missed seven free throws, which proved important. But come June, it’s Tatum’s time to point out he’s the distinction.
Source: www.bostonherald.com