Player of the Game: Jayson Tatum takes over in back-against-the-wall situation

Jayson Tatum needed this. The Boston Celtics needed this.

Facing a must-win situation and a near-double-digit deficit in the third quarter, Tatum suddenly came alive for consecutive threes. It turned out to spark an 18-0 run that flipped the scoreboard in the Celtics’ favor. Then, instead of coughing up another late lead, the C’s pulled away for a 17-point win to keep their season alive.

• And that closeout was also due in large part to Tatum, who scored 25 of his 33 points in the second half. He scored 11 over the final 9:22 of the fourth quarter, including six straight points to maintain the Celtics’ big lead before he exited for good. Tatum’s efforts earn him the 98.5 The Sports Hub Player of the Game honor for Game 4.

  Keep scrolling for more Tatum highlights from a huge Celtics win.

• Jayson Tatum's 3-pointer extends Celtics lead in the 4th quarter with this BIG shot
  
  Presented By John’s Sewer And Drain Cleaning pic.twitter.com/0Pa6bPkgOw

  — Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) May 24, 2023

• Jayson Tatum shines as the @celtics win Game 4 on the road!
  
  34 PTS, 11 REB, 7 AST, 2 BLK, 5 3PM
  
  ECF Game 5: Thursday, 8:30pm/et on TNT pic.twitter.com/prAkjK9aoM

  — NBA (@NBA) May 24, 2023

• Tatum for 29 🔥
  
  Boston leads with under 3 minutes to go in Game 4 on TNT!#NBAConferenceFinals presented by @GooglePixel_US pic.twitter.com/2zBCzW5MPu

  — NBA (@NBA) May 24, 2023

• Jayson Tatum from downtown 🎯
  
  He's up to 27 PTS as Boston looks to extend the series... Q4 LIVE on TNT!#NBAConferenceFinals presented by @GooglePixel_US pic.twitter.com/TG2OAID9nC

  — NBA (@NBA) May 24, 2023

• SOLID Celtics defense and JT gets the easy bucket in transition 🔥 pic.twitter.com/5qTqSdRv2E

  — Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) May 24, 2023

• JAYSON TATUM BACK-TO-BACK 3S 🔥#BleedGreen #BeattheHeat #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/a0q5XvyyLN

  — Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) May 24, 2023

• JT comes crashing in for the rebound and gets the bucket pic.twitter.com/ufWW2mrYLI

  — Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) May 24, 2023

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  Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. Check out all of Matt’s content here.