With an average of 17 points at 31% shooting success, Jayson Tatum was particularly clumsy in the first two matches against the Mavericks. However, the Boston winger makes up for it in other sectors, averaging 10 rebounds and 8.5 assists.
He compensates very well for his clumsiness with his activity, so much so that the Celtics do not suffer from seeing their best scorer be so unprolific.
“I think playing in the Finals two years ago helped me get through it”, he confides before Game 3. “I know I have to be more efficient, shoot better. I can't say otherwise. But I don't let myself get pushed around because of that. I'm always trying to find a way to make an impact and dominate in other areas. »
How can he find the address? “It might take a game. I can explode on a meeting »he assures. “The percentages and the rest are subject to change. I have this mindset, I'm one game away from doing it. »
“I love his mindset and he’s incredible on both ends of the court”
During the 2022 Finals against the Warriors, Jayson Tatum averaged 21.5 points with only 37% shooting success. And in this series, he did not show the same reading of the game, the same ability to make shifts, as against the Mavericks. This is what Joe Mazzulla insisted on.
“Already, I find it unfortunate to say that he is in the background even though he is making the right choices. I don't think he's withdrawn, because he's aggressive, he's looking for the right balance. We see it in a different way,” analyzes the Celtics coach. “He manipulates the defense with his aggression, he takes what the defense gives him and plays fair. I love his mindset and he’s incredible on both ends of the floor. »
His mentality is focused on the final victory, which eluded Boston two years ago, when the Celtics led 2-1 in the series. “I know what it’s like to be in this position and lose,” remembers Jayson Tatum. “This time I am doing everything possible to make the conclusion different. »
| Jayson Tatum | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | L.F. | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2017-18 | BOS | 80 | 31 | 47.5 | 43.4 | 82.6 | 0.6 | 4.4 | 5.0 | 1.6 | 2.1 | 1.0 | 1.4 | 0.7 | 13.9 |
| 2018-19 | BOS | 79 | 31 | 45.0 | 37.3 | 85.5 | 0.9 | 5.2 | 6.0 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 1.1 | 1.5 | 0.7 | 15.7 |
| 2019-20 | BOS | 66 | 34 | 45.0 | 40.3 | 81.2 | 1.0 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 3.0 | 2.1 | 1.4 | 2.4 | 0.9 | 23.4 |
| 2020-21 | BOS | 64 | 36 | 45.9 | 38.6 | 86.8 | 0.8 | 6.6 | 7.4 | 4.3 | 1.9 | 1.2 | 2.7 | 0.5 | 26.4 |
| 2021-22 | BOS | 76 | 36 | 45.3 | 35.3 | 85.3 | 1.1 | 6.9 | 8.0 | 4.4 | 2.3 | 1.0 | 2.9 | 0.6 | 26.9 |
| 2022-23 | BOS | 74 | 37 | 46.6 | 35.0 | 85.4 | 1.1 | 7.7 | 8.8 | 4.6 | 2.2 | 1.1 | 2.9 | 0.7 | 30.1 |
| 2023-24 | BOS | 74 | 36 | 47.1 | 37.6 | 83.3 | 0.9 | 7.2 | 8.1 | 4.9 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 2.5 | 0.6 | 26.9 |
| Total | 513 | 34 | 46.0 | 37.5 | 84.4 | 0.9 | 6.3 | 7.2 | 3.5 | 2.1 | 1.1 | 2.3 | 0.7 | 23.1 | |
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.
