Can Jayson Tatum find his shot in Dallas?
Jayson Tatum hasn’t had a good NBA Finals so far – if you focus solely on his shooting.
Tatum has showcased his versatility and unselfishness by finding other ways to impact the first two games of the finals against the Dallas Mavericks, mainly his rebounding and facilitating. He averaged 10 rebounds and 8.5 assists in Games 1-2 at TD Garden.
However, Tatum averaged only 17 points while shooting 31.6% from the field in those games. The Celtics clearly didn’t need Tatum to be at his best in order to win those games. But they may need him to sharpen up over the next two at American Airlines Center in Dallas.
The Celtics could be without big man Kristaps Porziņģis, who is dealing with a new and “serious” injury (per Joe Mazzulla) ahead of Game 3. Even if Porzingis plays, he’s certainly not going to be close to 100%. On top of that, it’s reasonable to expect a better scoring performance from Kyrie Irving, now that he’ll have the home crowd on his side; he’s averaging 24.8 points at home in the 2024 playoffs.
Jun 9, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots the ball against Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (left) and guard Dante Exum (0) during the second quarter in game two of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. (Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports)
But could the Celtics get a better shooting performance out of Tatum, too? It’s starting to feel like it’ll be necessary, if the C’s want to stomp on the Mavs’ throats and extinguish any hope they may have of making this NBA Finals a competitive series.
“There are going to be times where I need to score, and obviously, I need to shoot better. Golly,” Tatum said after Game 2 last Sunday. “But you know, really, we always talk about do whatever it takes for however long it takes. If I need to have 16 potential assists every single night and that’s what puts us in the best position to win and it doesn’t mean I’m the leading scorer, by all means, if that gives us the best chance to win, sign me up.”
Thing is, the way it’s lining up for the Celtics and Mavs in Game 3, it’s becoming more likely that Tatum will need to be a more efficient shooter. It would be a timely improvement, considering how different the series would feel with the C’s up 3-0 instead of 2-1.
DALLAS, TEXAS – JANUARY 22: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics shoots against Grant Williams #3 of the Dallas Mavericks in the first half at American Airlines Center on January 22, 2024 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images)
There’s reason for hope. Tatum has shot slightly better on the road than at home in the 2024 playoffs, so far. He’s shooting 43.4% on the road, compared to 42.1% at home. The gap is larger in true shooting percentage, where Tatum is at 56.3% on the road and 53.5% at home (via StatMuse).
Tatum has taken what the Mavs have given him and done what’s necessary for the Celtics to win as a team so far in the NBA Finals. But at some point, it may be best for the team that Tatum shoots more efficiently, scores when it matters. Game 3 is shaping up to be the Mavs’ best opportunity to present that situation to him.
MORE: Celtics give official update on Kristaps Porzingis injury
“You know, I’m a fair, smart person. I know when I’m doing things at a high level. I know when I need to do certain things better. So I’m not, like, oblivious to what’s going on,” Tatum said Tuesday. “At the same time, just keeping the main thing the main thing and focusing on trying to win the next game. That’s what’s most important at this time.”
Matt Dolloff is a writer and digital content producer for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Read all of his articles here.
Celtics hold off Mavericks to take 2-0 lead in NBA Finals
