Jayson Tatum’s start to the season draws league recognition
After being named first-team All-NBA last year, the next step for Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum in terms of individual accomplishments is winning an MVP. Being MVP means being the NBA’s best player throughout the season, day-to-day, week-to-week, and month-to-month. For Tatum, he now has one very successful month in the books.
On Monday, the NBA announced Tatum was the Eastern Conference Player of the Month of November (technically this award also includes the final week of October). It was the first Player of the Month award given out by the league this season.
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This is Tatum’s third Player of the Month nod of his career. It’s also the second year in a row he’s won the award in November (he also won it in February of 2020).
Through the first 20 games of the season Tatum is averaging 27.6 points per game. That ranks ninth in the NBA and third in the Eastern Conference, behind just Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Tatum is shooting 49.9 percent from the floor and 36.2 percent from three, while grabbing 8.9 rebounds and dishing 4.2 assists per game.
Despite that start, Tatum has the fourth-best odds to win league MVP, at +900 according to DraftKings. He’s behind favorite Nikola Jokic (who won Western Conference Player of the Month), as well as Luka Doncic, and Embiid.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
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Jayson Tatum is otherworldly right now
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 01: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the first quarter against the Indiana Pacers at TD Garden on November 01, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
If four games so far this season, Tatum is shooting 56.3 percent overall, 40.7 percent from 3-point distance, 66.7 percent on 2-pointers and 80 percent from the free-throw line. He’s averaging 29.8 points, 9.3 rebounds (a career high) and four assists. Turnovers remain a constant work in progress for both Tatum and Jaylen Brown, but it’s hard to be more efficient than he has been thus far.
The Celtics have been hard to shoot against
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 01: T.J. McConnell #9 of the Indiana Pacers takes a shot with pressure from Kristaps Porzingis #8, Oshae Brissett #12, and Jrue Holiday #4 of the Boston Celtics during the second quarter at TD Garden on November 01, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Look, when it comes to defense, we often focus on the stats – steals and blocks, in particular. But at the end of the day, the simplest goal of defense is this: can you force the opponent into a bad or difficult shot? Currently, the Celtics have held opponents to the fourth-lowest shooting percentage in the NBA. Boston also has allowed, on average, the fifth-fewest points per game in the paint.
Why is this important? With the departures of Marcus, Smart, Grant Williams and Robert Williams, there was much concern about the impact on the Celtics’ defense. So far, both Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis have filled the gap and more, particularly inside the 3-point line.
One note: Early on, the New York Knicks and Miami Heat torched the Celtics from 3-point distance. Keep an eye on that. Better performances in the last two games have made the Celtics 10th best in the league defending the 3-point line, but it’s worth watching.
