Never mind the MVP race; what the Boston Celtics truly need is for Jayson Tatum to shine when the stakes are highest.
While Tatum’s MVP chances were already slim, they were essentially dashed in the recent loss to the Denver Nuggets, where the Celtics star failed to make a significant impact in what could have been an NBA Finals preview. This serves as a stark reminder that Tatum must elevate his game in crucial moments as the Celtics continue their quest for a championship.
Undoubtedly, Tatum has shown growth in his seventh NBA season, with improvements in decision-making and game reading skills. Leading the Celtics to the best record in the league, he rightfully garnered MVP consideration. However, the recent loss highlighted the reality that there’s still another level he must reach to guide the Celtics to success.
In the defeat against the Nuggets, Tatum tallied just 15 points alongside eight assists and five turnovers. He missed a pivotal, wide-open three-pointer in the final minute, contributing to the Celtics’ 115-109 loss and their sweep by the defending champions in the season series. While Jaylen Brown delivered with 41 points, appearing poised for the occasion, Tatum seemed almost passive. In contrast, two-time MVP Nikola Jokic proved instrumental for the Nuggets, showcasing confidence and comfort throughout the game, particularly in critical moments.
The disparity between Jokic and Tatum was evident, with the former displaying championship pedigree while the latter struggled to adapt to the Nuggets’ defensive schemes. Despite Tatum’s past clutch playoff performances, such as his memorable showings against the Milwaukee Bucks and Philadelphia 76ers, questions persist regarding his ability to deliver consistently in crucial moments, especially in recent matchups against the Cavaliers and Nuggets, where his performance in the fourth quarter was lackluster.
As the Celtics vie for their 18th championship, Tatum’s performance in key moments will be pivotal. While he has shown improvement this season, his struggles in clutch situations remain a concern. If the Celtics hope to overcome formidable opponents like the Nuggets in the NBA Finals, Tatum must prove himself as the difference-maker on the court.
