Celtics’ Game 3 win against the Cleveland Cavaliers wasn’t just a display of skill and strategy on the court; it was also a testament to the power of camaraderie and encouragement among teammates. During the game, Jaylen Brown was captured on mic, hyping up Jayson Tatum with words of encouragement and support.
“C’mon big deuce. Tell ’em to stop playing with you. I’m big deuce. I’m big deuce. C’mon.”
Jaylen Brown motivating Jayson Tatum:
“Cmon big deuce. Tell em’ to stop playing with you.”
These 2 are so special.
— CelticsUnite (@CelticsUnite18) May 12, 2024
Brown’s words seemed to resonate with Tatum, who went on to deliver a massive performance, scoring 33 points to lead the Celtics to a crucial victory in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series against the Cavaliers.
The game itself was a showcase of the Celtics’ resilience and determination. After a disappointing loss in Game 2 on their home court, the Celtics knew they needed to respond with a strong showing in Cleveland. Led by Tatum and Brown, they did just that.
Tatum’s scoring prowess was on full display as he relentlessly attacked the basket and made tough shots throughout the game. His 33 points, coupled with Brown’s 28-point contribution, propelled the Celtics to a 106-93 victory, giving them a 2-1 series lead.
But it wasn’t just Tatum’s scoring that made the difference; it was also his leadership and poise on the court. Despite facing adversity at various points in the game, Tatum remained composed and focused, leading his team by example.
The Celtics’ victory in Game 3 was a team effort, with contributions from players like Payton Pritchard and Derrick White, who hit crucial three-pointers to halt the Cavaliers’ comeback attempts.
As they head into Game 4, the Celtics will look to build on the momentum from their Game 3 win and continue their quest for postseason success. With the support and encouragement of teammates like Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and the Celtics are poised to rise to the occasion and compete at the highest level.
Stephen A. Smith And Kendrick Perkins Hammered Jayson Tatum Before Game 3
Stephen A. Smith and Kendrick Perkins didn’t hold back in their criticism of Jayson Tatum ahead of Game 3 between the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Smith dissected Tatum’s recent postseason performance with a level of scrutiny that left no room for ambiguity.
"For someone who is great, it is entirely unacceptable." 😳 @stephenasmith on Jayson Tatum's numbers this postseason 🏀 pic.twitter.com/XQMvrloFVr
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 12, 2024
Smith didn’t mince words as he dissected Tatum’s recent statistics, highlighting a noticeable decline in his postseason production compared to previous years. With an average of 20.2 points over the last five games, Tatum’s scoring output represented his lowest streak in the playoffs since 2019, a fact that clearly frustrated Smith.
Expressing his exasperation, Smith emphasized the importance of Tatum’s role as the leader of the Celtics and the expectations that come with it. He asserted that as a definitive team leader, Tatum must step up during critical moments in the playoffs, a sentiment echoed by many fans and analysts alike.
Kendrick Perkins didn’t hold back in his criticism of Jayson Tatum either, adding fuel to the fire ignited by Stephen A. Smith’s remarks. Perkins expressed his frustration with Tatum’s performance, echoing Smith’s sentiments about the need for the Celtics star to step up in the postseason.
“I’m so over Jayson Tatum. When is he going to arrive?… He talked about this in interviews… He couldn’t wait to get to the postseason. Well, it’s here. What are you going to do about it?… It’s in your hands.”
— Kendrick Perkins 👀
(via @ESPNNBA)pic.twitter.com/qEEuyQp6NT
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 11, 2024
Perkins’ frustration was palpable as he questioned when Tatum would truly “arrive” on the playoff stage. Referring to Tatum’s previous statements about eagerly anticipating the postseason, Perkins challenged him to deliver on his promises now that the playoffs were underway.
In Boston, where titles are the measure of success, Smith’s warning to Tatum carried significant weight. As the Celtics faced challenges in the playoffs, the pressure was on Tatum to elevate his game and lead his team to victory. Anything less would be considered unacceptable in the eyes of Celtics fans and analysts like Smith and Perkins.
Jayson Tatum Responds To His Critics
In light of his recent Game 3 heroics, Jayson Tatum responded to critiques of his postseason performance with a poised and determined demeanor. Despite facing scrutiny for his subpar statistics leading up to the game, Tatum showcased his resilience and leadership on the court.
JT weighs in on the critics 🎤 pic.twitter.com/nVQmjJuU3L
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 12, 2024
Acknowledging the role of the media in shaping the narrative around basketball, Tatum expressed respect for their job while also admitting that he didn’t always agree with their assessments. However, he emphasized the importance of fair criticism and recognized the impact of media attention on the game.
Tatum maintained a level-headed approach, refusing to view criticism as disrespect but rather as an opportunity for growth. He highlighted his commitment to being the best player he could be for his team, focusing on contributing in various aspects of the game beyond just scoring.
Despite his recent struggles with shooting efficiency, Tatum remained confident in his abilities and expressed his determination to improve. He recognized the importance of winning and emphasized his willingness to contribute in any way necessary to achieve success.
With an average of 23.1 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, Tatum’s playoff numbers have been respectable, albeit not meeting the lofty expectations set for him. Shooting at 41.3% from the field and 26.5% from beyond the arc, Tatum acknowledged his need to improve his shooting efficiency.
However, Game 3 was a turning point for Tatum as he exploded for 33 points, demonstrating his ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. His stellar performance not only silenced his critics but also reaffirmed his status as a key player for the Celtics.
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