SUMMARY
- Jayson Tatum hasn't been performing well on defense and offense while possibly recording some of worst numbers in NBA history.
- Jaylen Brown has stepped up as the Celtics' scorer over the last six games.
There’s been a major shift in the dynamic between the players of the Boston Celtics, especially Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Both individuals have been the Celtics’ strongest assets and for the last eight years, the team has been evolving around them. The Celtics are making their second run to the title in three years and this is a crucial year for them having lost in the NBA Finals before.
But here’s what is different. Tatum has not been the same scorer this season averaging only 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game while he is very capable of consistently scoring 30 points per game. Brown has emerged as their best playoff performer while Derrick White occasionally takes charge of leadership.
Jayson Tatum hasn’t been a strong defensive anchor amidst offensive slump
During the 2023 NBA Playoffs, Jayson Tatum averaged a dominant 27.2 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game along with 1.1 blocks and steals. Fast forward a year later, Tatum has only been putting up 24.9 points per game, which is quite underwhelming for an All-NBA First-Team player.
What isn’t being talked about because Jayson Tatum has been atrocious on offense, is that he’s been a turnstile on defense.
Matchups:
– Luka Doncic (6-8)
– Gafford (4-6)
– Irving (2-6)
– Washington (1-2)
– DJJ (1-2)
– Lively II (1-1)15-25 (60%FG) overall 😳😳 pic.twitter.com/tCjBY3yC5x
— HeroOfTheDay (@Hero_OfThe_Day) June 10, 2024
Unfortunately, the Celtics forward hasn’t necessarily seen him fair well on defense either. While Tatum guarded the Mavericks’ top six players, they shot 60% from the field (15-25) in this series. Luka Doncic has put up 6-8 against Tatum while the latter hasn’t been shooting one of the worst field percentages per 150 attempts through 8 games in the NBA Finals since the merger.
The Celtics should shift focus on Jaylen Brown leading the offense
Over the last six games, Jaylen Brown has stepped up as the Celtics’ best scorer in the postseason. So far, he’s been averaging 24.6 points, 6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. Over the last six games, Brown has been averaging 27 points per game. Tatum hasn’t scored over 20 points in two games of the NBA Finals.
“He’s been one of the emotional leaders on their team… When you take pride in what you do on the defensive end it’s going to show.”
Kyrie Irving delivers high praise to Jaylen Brown 💯 pic.twitter.com/D056dA0e1O
— NBA (@NBA) June 11, 2024
Overall, Tatum’s awkward slump could become detrimental to the team’s progress despite being up 2-0. The Mavericks are going to try everything they can to win both upcoming home games. Tatum can certainly be a strong defensive piece given that he only focuses on that particular aspect while allowing Brown and White to carry the team offensively.