The Boston Celtics have had a high and erratic start to the season, now standing above .500 (9-8) for the first time in 2021-22, following a 111-105 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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The absence of Jaylen Brown, who is averaging 25.6 points per game this season has certainly been felt as the swinger has now missed eight straight games with a right hamstring strain, put more pressure on Jayson Tatum to carry the lions. violation.
While Tatum has solid numbers, his effectiveness has suffered this season as opponents continue to pay attention to the defence that has come his way.
As he often does, Tatum found his best on the biggest stage and his 37-point, 11-rebound performance in the Celtics 130-108 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on national television could. is the springboard he needs to get back to mark-level scoring.
He followed up that performance with another brilliant game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, scoring 33 points, eight rebounds and five assists from the field, 6/12 from the 3-point line and 5 in total. -7 at the free-throw line – his third game in a row with 33 or more points.
He has 27 free throws in his past 4 games, close to his 28 in the previous 6, with a significant improvement in his willingness to attack the basket and find contact.
Tatum’s effectiveness has been lower this season, with his average shot distance reaching a career high 15.1 feet. him within three feet of the basket.
In the past three games, he’s kept things simple, only attempting a mid-range jump in the loss to the Atlanta Hawks, while he’s done most of his damage against the Lakers at the belt and from the 3rd line. points, just tried four. middle jumper (1 of 4) and a perfect 7/7 on the free throw line.
Against the Thunder, he took 3/6 from middle distance, but his six 3-pointers and a series of drives to the belt, kept the Thunder’s defense guessing all night, with Tatum looking like our three level scorer. ‘ has come to expect.
“Obviously I’m feeling better but I’m just getting back to the flow of things,” Tatum said after the game. “I keep working out, don’t take a day off and things like that and just believe in what I do. Every night won’t be perfect but just keep going and don’t pay attention to what’s important. important.”
The Celtics have now won seven of their past 10 games and will host the Rockets at TD Garden before they head into a tough game, with their next 11 games including games against the Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Utah Jazz, Los Angels Lakers, LA Clippers, Phoenix Suns and Milwaukee Bucks.
Good news, Jaylen Brown is tipped to be back in the ring soon to give them a much-needed push.
“He’s finished, he really wants to play,” head coach Ime Udoka said before the game against the Lakers. “We are going to keep him for a bit, myself and the medical staff. He really wants to play tonight – coming home alone to Atlanta – but we feel he needs a little more time. He’s increased it for about a week or so. He’s not quite ready yet but he’ll be back soon. ”
With Brown soon to return and Tatum shooting at all pylons, the Celtics are on track to get some momentum to start their season.
