Jayson Tatum Assumes Complete Responsibility for Subpar Performance Against Knicks in NBA Matchup
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum is taking full responsibility for his underwhelming performance in the Eastern Conference second-round playoff series against the New York Knicks, promising to step up his game in Game 3. The six-time All-Star has been ice-cold from the field, making just 29% of his shots and a dismal 25% from three-point range over the first two games. Tatum has also attempted only nine free throws and committed eight turnovers, including the final one in the Knicks' Game 2 victory.
Despite the struggles, Tatum isn't losing confidence. "You can't lose your confidence," he said. Teammate Jaylen Brown and Tatum have combined to shoot just 2-of-19 in the fourth quarters, with the Knicks rallying to win both games after trailing by 20 and 16 points, respectively.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged the team's poor performance in the series, stating, "We all could be better." Boston set the single-season record for most 3-pointers attempted and made during the regular season but have been off their mark so far in the playoffs, setting a playoff record with 45 missed 3-pointers in Game 1 alone. The Celtics are also struggling in clutch time, shooting just 3-of-20 in those situations over the first two games.
Despite the team's struggles, Tatum remains a force to be reckoned with, averaging 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game in the 2025 playoffs. Don't count out the young star from turning things around in Game 3.
Enrichment Data:Jayson Tatum's struggles in the playoffs against the Knicks can be attributed to several factors:
- Defensive pressure: Tatum often faces a lot of defensive attention, forcing him to take contested shots.
- Shooting inconsistencies: In the series so far, Tatum has struggled with his shooting, hitting just 29% of his shots. This is indicative of a trend of inconsistent clutch shooting in his playoff performances.
- Clutch performance: Tatum's poor shooting extends to clutch moments, with a history of missing key shots in critical situations.
- Strong perimeter defense: Strong defenders like Mikal Bridges have been successful in defending Tatum, highlighting his vulnerability to good defensive play.
Despite these challenges, Tatum remains one of the top players in the league with impressive overall stats in the playoffs.
- Jayson Tatum, acknowledging his underwhelming performance in the Eastern Conference second-round playoff series against the New York Knicks, has vowed to improve his game in Game 3.
- In the first two games of the series, Tatum has made only 29% of his shots, a dismal 25% from three-point range, and attempted only nine free throws, while committing eight turnovers.
- Despite these struggles, Tatum insists that losing confidence is not an option, stating, "You can't lose your confidence."
- The lackluster performance of Tatum and teammate Jaylen Brown in the fourth quarters has allowed the Knicks to rally and win both games after trailing by significant margins.
- The Celtics, who set the single-season record for most 3-pointers attempted and made during the regular season, have been off their mark so far in the playoffs, setting a playoff record with 45 missed 3-pointers in Game 1 alone.
- Despite the team's current predicament, the Gwashburn Globe emphasizes that Tatum is still a force to be reckoned with, averaging 29.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 5.4 assists per game in the 2025 playoffs, potentially poised to turn things around in Game 3.
