Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum was quite disappointed with the officiating in Game 1 against the New York Knicks. While discussing the game, the Celtics’ star was asked whether frustrations from not getting calls prevented him from attacking the rim as well. He responded by saying:
“No, it isn’t connected at all. It’s the playoffs. We probably should just play without the refs; that’s how physical it is. So no, that doesn’t really cross my mind.”
Tatum and the Celtics went to the line a total of 26 times in comparison to New York’s 31. While the difference is marginal, the game was still a very physical one.
Boston has addressed the increase in physicality in their previous series as well. Coming up against the Orlando Magic, the Celtics commented on the kind of aggression they had dealt with while playing Orlando.
In light of this, Tatum speaks from a place of experience. However, physicality is a part of the playoff environment, something the Celtics forward also acknowledged. The bigger concern for the team is the loss in Game 1 against the Knicks.
The Celtics fumbled Game 1 after a 105-108 OT loss. After enjoying a sizeable 20-point lead in the first half of the game, Boston saw the lead evaporate in the second behind some inspired offensive contributions by Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby.
While much of the loss can be attributed to poor discipline on the part of the reigning champions, the Celtics can also address the failure of their stars in clutch situations.
Although Jayson Tatum recorded a total of 23 points on the night, he contributed only two points in the fourth quarter. He also had a rather disappointing night from the field as he shot 7-23 and 4-15 from beyond the arc in 44 minutes of playing time.
His running mate, Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, also had a similarly poor shooting performance, shooting 7-20 from the field, to score 23 points as well.
The largest point of difference in Game 1 was the perimeter shooting. The Knicks shot a decent 17-37 from three-point territory. Timely buckets by Brunson and Anunoby kept the Knicks in the game. Meanwhile, the Celtics set a playoff record for the most missed threes in a game with 45.
Seeing Kristaps Porzingis exit in the first half due to illness didn’t do the team any favors either. Without their primary big man off the floor, the team struggled to see an impact down the stretch.
The poor performance by the Celtics is one they will hope to forget. However, a loss at home certainly makes the road ahead a lot more complicated. Boston will hope to see Porzingis back in the lineup in time to even the series tally in Game 2 on Wednesday at 7:00 pm ET.
