Tyson and Paul Clash at Press Conference: A Legendary Rematch and a Young Upstart

 Did Celtics’ Jayson Tatum have a bad game? Understanding the truth behind the box score

The Boston Celtics dominated the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first game of the playoffs. However, there's a concern: Jayson Tatum, a star player for the Celtics, had a bad shooting night. While teammates like Derrick White and Jaylen Brown exploded offensively, Tatum missed all his three-point attempts and scored only 18 points. Some fans are worried this might be a problem. However, teammates and coaches are defending Tatum. Payton Pritchard says Tatum can impact the game in many ways, not just scoring. Coach Joe Mazzulla believes Tatum is taking good shots and they'll eventually fall.

• Tatum's Struggles: This isn't the first time Tatum has struggled with shooting in the playoffs. His three-point percentage is low this postseason, continuing a trend from last year.
• Not All Bad: Despite the struggles, Tatum is making plays for his teammates. He's setting good screens which create opportunities for others to score. He also had rebounds, assists, and blocks.
• Depth Advantage: Unlike many teams reliant on one scorer, the Celtics have other offensive threats. This allows Tatum to play a more versatile role, even if his shots aren't falling.
• Finding Balance: The Celtics need Tatum to convert open shots eventually. He's known for making difficult shots but also missing easy ones. Finding a balance between these extremes is crucial.
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• Overall, while Tatum's shooting woes are a concern, the Celtics' strong team performance and Tatum's all-around play offer some reassurance. As the playoffs get tougher, Tatum will need to find a way to contribute offensively, both by scoring and by creating opportunities for his teammates.