Former NBA participant Richard Jefferson chimed in along with his ideas on Jayson Tatum’s Sport 1 efficiency in opposition to the Orlando Magic.
The one-time champion scored 17 factors and grabbed 14 rebounds, however struggled to seek out effectivity in his capturing as he went 8-22 from the sector.
Regardless of a uncommon off-night for Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics dominated the Orlando Magic within the second half and took a 103-86 win on the night time.
The 27-year-old suffered an harm within the fourth quarter as he was fouled on a dunk try by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
Though he continued enjoying, Tatum was seen in seen ache, and this will likely be a reason behind concern for the group.
After the sport, Jefferson shared his ideas on Tatum’s efficiency and said the group didn’t want the very best from him each night time.
Jefferson, who received a championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers, revealed that the depth the Celtics had may assist them safe a win even with out a huge night time from Tatum, who is usually disrespected across the league.
Talking on NBA TV, he stated: “For Jayson Tatum, he does so many issues on the ground for his group. Sure, his shot wasn’t falling, however that’s additionally the posh when you will have a lot expertise in your group, you don’t need to pressure it. You don’t need to push it.
“If tonight is Derrick White’s night time, if it’s Payton Pritchard’s night time, then a pacesetter permits these individuals to shine in these moments.”
Coach Joe Mazzulla confirmed after the sport that Tatum’s wrist was good, however Jefferson believes the Celtics would transfer cautiously to maintain him match for the rest of the playoffs.
“He’s bought each wrists taped up now, and they’re positive they’re going to examine every little thing out, and you then begin to get the therapy,” Jefferson added.
Jaylen Brown, Kristaps Porzingis, who is anticipated to be a key weapon within the playoffs and Tatum didn’t have the very best of video games as they solely shot 15-44 from the sector.
Nevertheless, the Celtics by no means appeared like they had been going to undergo a defeat, courtesy of some huge performances from Derrick White, who has had some nice video games for them this season.
Derrick White dropped 30 factors, whereas Payton Pritchard contributed with 19 factors off the bench for the group.
Kendrick Perkins, a champion with the Celtics, lauded the opposite gamers who stepped up and contributed in a recreation wherein key gamers like Tatum, Brown, and Porzingis didn’t fireplace.
He tweeted: “Tatum, Brown and KP mixed to shoot 15-44 and the Celtics nonetheless received by rattling close to 20. The OTHERS are simply completely different on the Celtics. Sure I known as them “Others” as a result of they’re to good to be known as Position Gamers.”
White has historically stepped up through the playoffs, and that’s precisely what the Celtics will hope from him, as the opposite stars on the group could be dealing with comparable nights to that of Sport 1 because of defensive schemes primarily being targeted on them.