Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics’ rising star, has hit a rough patch in the playoffs. His shooting percentages have dipped, leaving fans and analysts scratching their heads. But Tatum remains unfazed, channeling his focus beyond scoring. Let’s dissect his struggles, his mindset, and whether the Celtics truly qualify as a “super team.”
Celtics star Jayson Tatum doesn't seem too concerned with his shooting struggles:
"[I've] been in the league long enough that sometimes you just don't make them. You just gotta still continue to take the right shots, and it'll even out… I know how to score the ball… Scoring… pic.twitter.com/yocnBC2sWm
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 10, 2024
The Playoff Woes:
Tatum’s regular-season performance was stellar. Averaging nearly 27 points per game, he showcased his scoring prowess. However, the postseason has been a different story. His shooting stats have taken a hit: 40.6% from the field and a mere 25.0% from beyond the arc. The law of averages seems to have taken a vacation, but Tatum isn’t losing sleep over it.
Jayson Tatum’s Stoic Approach:
“You play enough basketball, the law of averages, it will equal out eventually. In the meantime, find a way to win. Find a way to impact the game in other ways. Scoring is kind of the least of my worries.” – Jayson Tatum
Tatum’s perspective is refreshing. Instead of dwelling on missed shots, he focuses on the bigger picture. He knows how to score; that’s not in question. But his impact extends beyond the scoreboard. Rebounds, assists, defense—these facets matter just as much. Tatum’s stoicism is a testament to his maturity.
Are the Celtics a Superteam?
The term “superteam” gets thrown around a lot. It implies a roster stacked with MVPs, All-Stars, and championship expectations. The Celtics, with their rich history, certainly fit the bill. But Tatum doesn’t buy into the hype. He acknowledges their talent but tempers it with humility:
“It’s two-fold, right? We didn’t have the coach of the year. We didn’t have the MVP. We only had two All-Stars. So, say we’re a super team, but we didn’t get rewarded like we are. But we know we got a good team. We’re not perfect. We play the right way…I guess the same people that are spoiled by our success, we don’t pay attention to those things. We just go out there and control what we can’t control.” – Jayson Tatum
Tatum’s struggles in Game 2 against the Cleveland Cavaliers were part of a collective offensive slump for the Celtics. Donovan Mitchell’s scoring prowess couldn’t compensate for the team’s overall woes. But Tatum’s resilience shines through. He’s not chasing individual accolades; he’s chasing wins.
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