LISTEN LIVE

Mazz: Jayson Tatum now among leaders on the wrong list

According to NBA.com, Tatum now ranks fourth in the NBA in turnovers during “clutch” situations, further defined as close games (within five points) in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter.

Jan 23, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after a play against the Orlando Magic in the third quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Jan 23, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after a play against the Orlando Magic in the third quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Admittedly, this is going to feel like we're picking on Jayson Tatum. But we're not. We're just pointing out that some of the problems that plagued the Celtics in general - and Tatum, in particular - are still a clear and present danger to the Celtics' chances at an NBA championship.

According to NBA.com, Tatum now ranks fourth in the NBA in turnovers during "clutch" situations, further defined as close games (within five points) in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter. The top four players on the list are:

Bradley Beal - 12
James Harden - 10
Jordan Clarkson - 10
Jayson Tatum - 9

So why is this relevant today? Because Tatum had two more big turnovers in the final minutes of the Celtics' loss to the Miami heat last night, includng an extremely sloppy one on what was the final possession of the game:

Overall last night, Tatum had seven turnovers against Heat, including five in the second half. The seven turnovers matched the total he has last week against Golden State, thwne Tatum committed three unsightly an alarming turnovers in a game the Celtics ultimately one. A full accounting of his turnovers is show here:

Is this all a death sentence for the Celtics? Of course not. There's a lot of basketball to be played and it's important to remember that Tatum is still a developing player. But teams are now regularly pressuring him when he has the ball in the final, key moments of games - and they will continue to do so as long as Tatum keeps making some of the ugly, worrisome mistakes he has been making.

Tony Massarotti is the co-host of the number 1 afternoon-drive show, Felger & Mazz, on 98.5 The Sports Hub. He is a lifelong Bostonian who has been covering sports in Boston for the last 20 years. Tony worked for the Boston Herald from 1989-2008. He has been twice voted by his peers as the Massachusetts sportswriter of the year (2000, 2008) and has authored five books, including the New York times best-selling memoirs of David Ortiz, entitled “Big Papi.” A graduate of Waltham High School and Tufts University, he lives in the Boston area with his wife, Natalie, and their two sons. Tony is also the host of The Baseball Hour, which airs Monday to Friday 6pm-7pm right before most Red Sox games from April through October. The Baseball Hour offers a full inside look at the Boston Red Sox, the AL East, and all top stories from around the MLB (Major League Baseball).