The Celtics battled the Brooklyn Nets in game three of the first round in TD Garden. The Nets came in as favorites to win this game, but Jayson Tatum on the other hand had different plans for the night.
Tatum scored at will against the Nets scoring 50 points while shooting over 50% from field on 16/30 field goals to go along with 13/15 FT.
“It was just one of those nights,” he said.
Tatum could not be stopped as he ran the defense ragged through his elite shooting. Although, the most impressive part of this performance may have been his low amount of turnovers. He only had 1 turnover on the evening to go along with his 50 point performance. Moreover, his point total was a career high in a single playoff game for him.
The defenders they sent at Tatum did not bother his game in the slightest. Kevin Durant could not stop him either. Tatum triumphed over every defender in isolation on the court.
By all means, the Celtics needed every part of his outstanding performance to secure the win. On the other hand, the elite performance of 41 points by James Harden for the Nets served as a deterrent keeping them in the game. Even still, such a high point total for Harden simply set the stage for Tatum to show off his dazzling array of graceful techniques.
A display of such skill and spirit came at the right time for the Celtics. Other Celtics however also stepped up big for the Celtics.
“Everybody contributed tonight. Tristan was a monster down there,” Tatum later added about his teammates’ contributions.
Should Tatum continue his scoring onslaught in game 4 of the playoffs may become much easier. As a result, a consecutive win may be the inevitable result.