With 57 victories and 16 defeats, the Celtics are well ahead of the NBA, with the best offense and the second best defense. But as the playoffs approach, their management of “money-time” still raises questions.
While they had the match ball in their hands, at 112 all with six seconds remaining, they once again gave Jayson Tatum the winning shot. Result: a very complicated 3-pointer. Missed…
“I know I missed a few this year” explained the winger on his mentality at the time of this shot. “So I was like, 'Damn, I'll wear one.' I've taken a lot since the start of my career, but it's part of the game, it's a league where you take shots and you miss them. I really enjoy being in these situations.”
For Jayson Tatum, who is in fact not “clutch” this season, this defeat is ultimately a good reminder.
“Sometimes I think we are a little stuck and we could rather attack the basket”
“Winning is difficult, and we were fortunate to win a lot. It’s a good reminder to never take this for granted. Every evening will be difficult” repeats Jayson Tatum.
No particular concern either for Joe Mazzulla, who preferred to emphasize the qualities of the Hawks, a difficult team for Boston to maneuver because they take a lot of 3-points and offensive rebounds.
It was ultimately Jaylen Brown who put his foot (a little) in the dish. The guard/winger almost gave Boston victory in overtime but his shot six seconds from the end, to give the Celtics the advantage (122-121), was very complicated… following a system that the Hawks defense had torpedoed well.
“Sometimes I think we are a little stuck and we could rather attack the basket”he explained, probably in reference to this 3-pointer from Jayson Tatum at the end of the fourth quarter, which was not necessary since the two teams were tied. “I think we will be ready when the time is right. We just have to make sure we execute things, that the spacing is good, and that we don't freeze up. »
