On Saturday, during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, the Boston Celtics claimed a much-needed 105-93 victory over the New York Knicks. This win marked the Celtics’ first in the series and helped them stay alive in the playoff battle. It was a pivotal moment for Jayson Tatum and his teammates as they aimed to change the series in their favor.
Tatum has been consistently active throughout the series, playing in all three games against the Knicks so far. With Game 4 set for Monday, Tatum is reportedly in top physical condition and is expected to return to the court.
In a fashion statement before Game 3, Tatum arrived wearing Timberland boots. Saturday’s game also marked his 120th career playoff appearance.
He delivered a solid all-around performance on the court, finishing with 22 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists while shooting 8-of-20 from the field. This performance also saw him surpass the legendary Kobe Bryant for the second-most career playoff points scored by a player before turning 27.
Despite the milestone and his strong showing, Tatum faced criticism from some fans who claimed he mimicked Kawhi Leonard’s signature celebration during the game. This sparked debate online as some questioned his originality on the court.
Dwyane Wade Calls Out Jayson Tatum Despite Playoff Milestone
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NBA stories via Google! Follow Us
Even as Jayson Tatum continues to climb the ranks of NBA playoff greatness, not everyone is impressed with his performance. On the latest episode of his podcast, NBA legend Dwayne Wade did not hold back when discussing Tatum’s game, especially on the defensive end.
“Man up. It’s on the defensive end of the floor. You got a 20-point lead. You may not make another shot for the rest of the game. You’ve got to win on the defensive end of the floor,” Wade said.
Whether Tatum silences his critics or fuels more debate, Tatum’s response on the court will be telling in the games ahead.
Also Read: Jayson Tatum Reflects On The Heavy Burden Of Being ‘That Guy’ Amid Celtics Playoff Struggles
