The Boston Celtics, who had enjoyed an undefeated record of 20-0 at home this season, experienced their first loss in front of their home crowd to the defending champion Denver Nuggets in a closely contested battle. The Nuggets emerged victorious with a final score of 102-100, securing their win after Celtics star Jayson Tatum missed a critical 17-foot fadeaway at the buzzer.
One fan called Jayson Tatum the least clutch star in the league.
Tatum is the least clutch Star in the NBA
— Rawiri (@vegan_hairy) January 20, 2024
A second fan said that Tatum is washed.
https://twitter.com/sparkles_art1/status/1748542509519720592
A third fan added in saying the Celtics are frauds.
Celtics are frauds
— 👑🎭 (@Br0nToLA23) January 20, 2024
A fourth fan said this was a massive win by the defending champs over the team with the best record in the NBA.
What a big time win by the defending champs!
— Mark A.Kern II (@Markkern111) January 20, 2024
A fifth fan said that the officials need to be investigated after a few questionable calls.
These refs need to be investigated
— FPLDeuce (Joe) ☘️ 🇮🇪 (@FPLDeuce) January 20, 2024
A sixth fan said that Tatum can’t lead the Celtics to wins.
Tatum can’t lead a team to wins😹😹
— BRYAN REYNOLDS MVP SZN (@Bruhwtflol69420) January 20, 2024
The game showcased the brilliance of Nuggets’ stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, who outshone their Celtics counterparts. Jokic contributed 34 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists, while Murray scored 35 points and grabbed 8 rebounds. On the other hand, Celtics All-Stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown struggled, combining for just 15 of 43 shooting from the field.
Despite a spirited effort from Derrick White, who led the Celtics with 24 points, the team fell short in the closing moments. The Celtics’ inability to capitalize on crucial opportunities, including missed free throws and layups, allowed the Nuggets to secure the hard-fought victory.
The intensity of the game resembled a playoff atmosphere, with both teams exchanging blows and responding to each other’s runs. However, the Nuggets’ dynamic duo of Jokic and Murray proved to be the difference-makers.
The loss marked the end of the Celtics’ perfect home record, highlighting that, despite their impressive regular-season performance, they still face challenges from formidable opponents like the reigning champion Nuggets. As the Celtics look to maintain their status as title contenders, they will need to regroup and learn from this defeat as they continue their journey in the highly competitive NBA.
The matchup also prompted discussions among NBA fans, with some expressing disappointment in Tatum’s performance and questioning his clutch abilities. The loss serves as a reminder that, even with a stellar regular-season record, the road to an NBA championship is fraught with challenges and requires consistent excellence in both individual and team performances.
Jayson Tatum Cannot Be A Superstar If He Shrinks In Big Games
Criticism is mounting against Jayson Tatum as he continues to face scrutiny for his performances in big games, raising questions about his ability to carry the superstar label. In the recent matchup against the Denver Nuggets, Tatum managed 22 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists, but his shooting efficiency, going 9-24 from the field and 1-8 from beyond the arc, has sparked concerns.
The scrutiny extends beyond the regular season, reaching back to the 2022 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. Tatum’s numbers in the championship series were underwhelming, averaging 21.5 points, 7.0 assists, and 6.8 rebounds per game. However, his shooting percentages of 36.7% from the field and 45.5% from 3-point range, coupled with a team-high 3.8 turnovers per game, drew criticism for his efficiency and decision-making in critical moments.
While Tatum has showcased brilliance in specific instances, such as his remarkable 50-point performance in Game 7 of the 2023 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers, questions persist about his consistency against championship-caliber opponents.
The debate surrounding Tatum’s ability to elevate his game in high-stakes situations is becoming a recurring theme, and until he consistently delivers in big games, the discussion about whether he truly belongs among the NBA’s superstars will likely persist. The pressure is on Tatum to prove that he can rise to the occasion when it matters most and lead the Boston Celtics to success in critical matchups.
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