NBA Finals: Tatum needs to improve on turnovers in Game 3
The Celtics’ Jayson Tatum’s scoring made a huge impact in Game 2, but his turnovers were costly. He will have to improve going into Game 3 in Boston.
In Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum struggled to make his shots, getting just 12 points and five rebounds. He made up for it with 13 assists, which helped the Celtics get the first win on the road against the Golden State Warriors.
In Game 2, Tatum’s shots weren’t a problem, finishing with 28 points, including 6-of-9 from 3-point range. Unfortunately, his four turnovers turned out to be costly. The Warriors got the win to even the series 1-1.
“They’re a really good defensive team,” Tatum said. “Maybe turning down a good shot to get a great shot might not be the first dribble-drive that you get. It may be the second one or the third one. Just having the patience, knowing whatever’s going on at the time to just try to get the best shot possible each possession.”
Any opponent going up against Tatum knows they have to defend well against him since he’s such a talented scorer. Because of that, Tatum has found other ways to be a successful player as well, apart from just scoring. He’s averaging 6.1 assists per game in the playoffs and of his 13 in Game 1, nine came on his teammates hitting 3-pointers.
“It’s such a challenge for guys like him,” said his Celtics teammate Al Horford. “You know, top players in the league that are expected to score, to play-make, to defend, all those things. And Jayson does all those things.”
“He’s the kind of guy that he’s going to figure it out. One way or another, he’s going to figure it out. We put a lot on him and he delivers. That’s what he does.”