Many people thought that Jayson Tatum’s 100th career postseason game, which occurred during the Celtics’ Game 1 victory over the Cavaliers, was a bust.

Tatum missed all five of his three-point attempts and finished with just 18 points on 7 of 19 (36.8%).

But Joe Mazzulla wasn’t slow to compliment his All-NBA wing as he stood at the platform following the game.

 

He seemed to play a well-rounded game overall, in my opinion. “Those other guys were able to get open looks because of his screening and passing,” Mazzulla remarked. Every night, success will appear differently for every player. But in the end, you have to compete on both ends of the floor and you can’t be characterized by just one thing.

As the Celtics reassembled at the Auerbach Center for practice on Wednesday afternoon, Mazzulla looked more and more pleased with Tatum’s performance in the opening game after watching the game tape.

Mazzulla stated, “I don’t think he’s being forced to do anything.”

“Yesterday, he averaged 1.6 points per possession while serving as a screener for our offense, making it the greatest offense in history.” In addition to his 18 points and three blocks, he had 11 possible assists. He’s doing a terrific job, in my opinion, of taking what the opposition gives him and using it to his advantage to influence the game both inside and outside the hoop. We need him to do that, and I believe he’s doing a great job of it.

Tatum has faced criticism for his performance in the playoffs, especially in relation to his career-worst shooting splits of 40.6% from the field and 25.0% from deep, as well as his scoring average of 21.2 points per game—his lowest point total in four years.

In previous years, the Celtics might have suffered as a result of these shooting performances. But not at this particular time.

Tatum’s difficulties notwithstanding, the Celtics have tied their team record for the most 20-point victories in a postseason after just six postseason games. All three of the teams (1959, 2008, and 2022) advanced to the NBA Finals, where two of them (1959, 2008) won the Larry O’Brien trophy.

Of course, part of that is the breadth of talent on the team as a whole. Tatum’s game’s advancement, though, is just as significant. He is more than simply a scorer now, as he has demonstrated this postseason.

Tatum is tied for first place in the postseason in blocks (6) and leads the Celtics in rebounds (63) and assists (32). Additionally, opponents are shooting 19 of 46 (41.3%) against him, and he has only turned the ball over ten times.

“People can have poor shooting nights, but he’s got some excellent defensive plays going on. He completed the simple passes that resulted in assists and huge rebounds; what was his final total, 11 rebounds? Payton Pritchard stated, “It’s just the casuals who think it’s only about the shots.”

“He can influence the game in so many different ways. Even if he finishes with just 18 points but we win by 25, he still had a significant impact.”

This playoffs, Tatum hasn’t encountered many one-on-one scenarios. When he does, though, he strikes quickly. Additionally, he remains composed in the face of defensive pressure, making the appropriate plays and taking advantage of the attention on him to generate opportunities for his teammates that don’t show up on the stat sheet.

Jrue Holiday stated, “I think he’s becoming a playmaker – or he’s being a playmaker.”He’s not exactly a lamb sacrifice, but he is making a lot of the correct decisions. He will take some of the shots when players try to double-team him, but overall, I believe he’s giving everyone open looks.

If the Celtics want to achieve their ultimate objective, they will surely need Tatum’s shots to fall. That being said, it is not necessary for him to shoot thirty shots. Tatum is most effective when he engages people since it gives him more opportunities.

Holiday continued, “Jayson is more than just a scorer.” He is an all-around basketball player who can do it all. Therefore, I believe he is capable of averaging a triple-double in each and every game.

The Celtics are aware that someday the shots will go in.

Mazzulla remarked, “I think he’s taken really good shots.” “I simply feel like they’re not falling, so I encourage him to keep taking those, and eventually they will.”

For any comfort you might need, look at Tatum’s record in the last 100 postseason games. His 2,363 career postseason points through 100 playoff games rank him 19th all-time among NBA players and second in Celtics franchise history, behind only 2,397 for Larry Bird.

In addition, Tatum joins Bird and LeBron James as the only three players in NBA history to record at least 2,300 points, 750 rebounds, and 450 assists in their first 100 postseason games.

Quite nice business.

The Celtics can be confident that Tatum will continue to have an impact even while he waits to emerge from his current rut.