"First they say you haven't won and now you're not scoring enough": Jayson Tatum hits back at naysayers highlighting his scoring struggles
Jayson Tatum finally got his stroke going for the Boston Celtics in Game 3 of the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks. Tatum was particularly superb in the first half when the Mavs tried to turn the game into a rout early on. His 20 points kept the Celtics together until Jaylen Brown took over in the second half.
Tatum hasn’t been as impressive on offense as he has been in past years, but the Celtics are one way away from a championship. He has become a better facilitator, rebounder and defender in Boston’s potential run to its 18th Larry O’Brien Trophy. Still, his critics and some fans haven’t held back in ripping him for his performances in the playoffs.
After the Boston Celtics won Game 3 106-99, Charles Barkley asked Jayson Tatum about all the negative noise around him. The All-NBA forward responded:
"Early in your career, you get all the points and the stats and individual awards but then they say, 'You haven't won.’ Now you're in a position to win a championship and now, ‘You're not scoring enough.'"
Before Game 3, Jayson Tatum averaged 17.0 points on 31.6% shooting, including 28.6% from deep in the NBA Finals. Jrue Holiday, the fourth option on offense, averaged 19.0 PPG on 65.2%/44.4% efficiency. Boston’s regular-season points leader combined to score 34 points in Games 1 and 2.
The Celtics offense, though, can still do well even if Tatum can’t get himself going on offense. Holiday, Jaylen Brown, Derrick White and Kristaps Porzingis have had games where they carried the scoring load. They are 3-0 in the NBA Finals because of contributions from across the roster.
Jayson Tatum desperately wants to avoid failing in the NBA Finals again
Jayson Tatum had a miserable 2022 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. The Boston Celtics took a 2-1 series lead, but the Dubs roared to three straight wins to lift another Larry O’Brien Trophy. Tatum and Jaylen Brown were lambasted for their inept displays.
After the Game 3 win, Tatum told Charles Barkley his motivation in this year’s finals despite not having big scoring nights:
“It really just comes down to ‘I’ve been here before.’ I know what it feels to lose [the NBA Finals] and I never want to feel that way again.”
Tatum’s numbers aren’t mind-boggling, but he is doing what he can to give the Boston Celtics their first championship since 2008. His critics can say what they want, but the forward hasn’t lost his focus or confidence in accomplishing his goal. He and his team will have the last laugh if they can raise the franchise’s record-breaking 18th championship banner.