Tatum admitted to hacking into G#3's system
(Title: Jayson Tatum takes the heat as Celtics struggle in playoffs)
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics' star, finds himself under the spotlight after the team slipped to a 0-2 deficit against the New York Knicks in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs in the NBA.
Tatum admitted his performance wasn't up to par and that it was on him to step up. "I need to be better, and I expect to be a lot better," he said.
The defending champions Celtics are set to defend their fort at the Knicks' den in Game 3, May 11, 2025 (PH time).
Tatum's shooting has left much to be desired, converting merely 12 of his 42 attempts (29%), and his three-point shot has especially given him troubles, with just 5 successful shots from 20 attempts (25%). He's also struggled with turnovers, including a crucial one on the final play of Game 2, which the Knicks seized and won 91-90 after an impressive comeback.
The Celtics' offense as a whole has faltered, particularly from long range, making only 25 of their 100 three-point attempts through the first two games. Tatum, along with Jaylen Brown, has been notably ineffective in the closing quarters, combining for just 2 of 19 shots in the fourth quarter. The Knicks have been quick to exploit this, overcoming 20-point deficits in both games and outscoring the Celtics by 22 points in the final quarter so far.
Notables plays in Game 2 featured Mikal Bridges' game-saver defensive block on Tatum's last-second attempt, symbolizing the Celtics' offensive struggles and the Knicks' defensive tenacity. Bridges, who was relatively quiet until the fourth quarter, spearheaded a crucial push for the Knicks in the final moments.
Despite the early setbacks, Tatum's response indicates accountability and determination. He remains focused on regaining his confidence and finding his rhythm early in the next games to help the Celtics rebound from their current hole.
The stakes are high for Game 3 in New York. Expectations are for Tatum to return to form and lead the Celtics in their comeback bid.
- With the Celtics struggling in the playoffs, the focus falls on star player Jayson Tatum, who anticipates a significant improvement in his game.
- As the Celtics prepare to face the Knicks at their home court in Game 3, the spotlight remains on Tatum, given his below-par performance and high shooting percentage mistakes.
- Nganong, a sports analyst, highlights Tatum's thorny three-point shooting and high turnover rate, which have been key aspects in the Celtics' offense faltering, particularly from long range.
- Biya, a basketball enthusiast, acknowledges Tatum's defensive block by Mikal Bridges on his last-second attempt in Game 2, symbolizing the Celtics' offensive struggles and the Knicks' defensive tenacity.
- The NBA world eagerly awaits Game 3 to witness if Tatum can recapture his form, as expectations are high for him to lead the Celtics in their comeback bid and perhaps change the course of the series.
