The Boston Celtics are actually in severe hazard of a shock playoff exit by the hands of the New York Knicks.
The Celtics misplaced Recreation 1 at residence, 108-105, however many thought it was a one-off and that they’d nonetheless comfortably advance to the Japanese Convention Finals.
Now, after shedding Recreation 2, 91-90, the subsequent fixture at Madison Sq. Backyard has all of the sudden turn into a must-win of their title protection.
The important thing purpose for the Celtics’ shortcomings has been star participant Jayson Tatum’s poor performances.
The 26-year-old scored simply 37 factors within the first two video games mixed, and NBA skilled Chris Broussard has introduced up one thing Michael Jordan as soon as stated as a potential purpose.
Jordan is arguably the best participant of all time, but he was no higher than a median three-point shooter in his prime.
Nevertheless, Tatum and the Celtics try an unbelievable quantity of threes, which typically results in being too one-dimensional.
Broussard recalled a well-known Jordan quote about long-range taking pictures after a playoff recreation, which Joe Mazzulla’s staff ought to most likely be aware of.
“I need to share my principle rapidly,” Broussard defined. “Present that final play that Tatum had, as a result of I’m questioning, if you get so used to trying to find threes all through the season, the three is the straightforward method out.
“Now, it’s a sensible shot clearly, as a result of it’s price three factors, but it surely’s type of the straightforward method out. That’s their entire technique: penetrate to kick it out for an open three, different guys recognizing up. And even when it’s a bit contested…
“There’s a viral clip you guys could have seen of Michael Jordan speaking… keep in mind after he hit all these threes in a Finals recreation, and he was saying, ‘I don’t need to turn into an amazing three-point shooter as a result of it might take away from different components to my recreation.’
“They don’t appear as snug if you’ve received to get some actual resistance in attempting to create mid-range pictures. He received the match-up he wished. You wished Mitchell Robinson.
“He loses his dribble, he dribbles into three Knicks. I really feel like, instinctively, he type of wished to step again and take the three as a result of that’s what he’s finished all yr.”
Whereas Tatum wasn’t the one participant to underperform within the Celtics’ latest defeats, he’s come beneath essentially the most scrutiny.
That is typical within the NBA, the place the superstars have all the time obtained a lot of the reward and the lion’s share of criticism.
“Look, there’s loads of blame to go round,” Broussard added. “Mazzulla with the hack-a-Mitchell, fouling Mitchell Robinson, placing them within the bonus was dangerous. Jaylen Brown [scoring] three factors within the second half and none within the fourth quarter; he wasn’t good.
“However you’re one of the best participant, Jayson Tatum. You’re the man who stated he desires to win MVP. You’re the man who, this season, was purported to be about exhibiting that you’re certainly a playoff performer and profitable Finals MVP. You’re the man who’s going to be First Staff All-NBA.
“So, when your staff doesn’t carry out, it’s finally on you. Numerous blame to go round, however finally, Jayson Tatum greater than anyone has to put on this loss.”
