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Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum Hit With Reality Check by NBA Expert After Getting Thrashed by Cleveland Cavaliers

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Rex Villas | Last updated 5/11/24

The Boston Celtics losing to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 was a reminder that nothing is ever going to be given in the NBA Playoffs. The Celtics have a talented roster and entered the postseason with the top overall seed in the Eastern Conference and the best record in the entire league, but that did not matter to the Cavs last Thursday, as they slapped Jayson Tatum and company with a 118-84 defeat.

Speaking of Tatum , the former Duke Blue Devils star remains infuriatingly inconsistent in the playoffs for the Celtics. Sure, he scored 25 points in Game 2 but missed 10 of his 17 attempts from the field and was barely felt in the fourth quarter.

The Boston Celtics Need Jayson Tatum to be Jayson Tatum

During a recent episode of Get Up, Zach Lowe of ESPN touched on the subject of the Celtics’ need to see Tatum be more aggressive.

“Derrick White’s been the best player on the Boston Celtics in the playoffs and at some point that’s gonna have to become Jayson Tatum if they’re gonna get where they want to go.”

"Derrick White's been the best player on the Boston Celtics in the playoffs and at some point that's gonna have to become Jayson Tatum if they're gonna get where they want to go."

@ZachLowe_NBA pic.twitter.com/tXv234ids4

— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 10, 2024

Tatum has yet to shoot better than 50 percent in a game in the Cavs series so far. Back in Game 1 of this second-round matchup, Tatum shot just 7/19 for 18 points. Overall in the series, he is just 14/36 for a poor 38.9 field goal percentage.

Hopefully for the Celtics, Tatum will end his slump in Game 3, as they look to retake the series lead and prevent the Cavaliers from gaining even more momentum.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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