Jayson Tatum Takes Blame for Celtics' 3rd-Quarter Struggles in Game 1 Loss vs. Heat
May 18, 2022
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 17: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on against the Miami Heat during the third quarter in Game One of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals at FTX Arena on May 17, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum lamented his role in what proved to be a decisive third quarter in his team's 118-107 loss to the Miami Heat in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.
"It's on me. I had six or seven turnovers," Tatum told reporters after the game.
The Celtics led 62-54 at halftime but were outscored 39-14 in the third quarter. Miami rode that dominant 12-minute stretch to victory.
Boston certainly wasn't cruising going into the half, but it looked like the team was poised to wrest home-court advantage away from the Heat. And Tatum was a big reason why. He went 9-of-14 from the floor for 21 points along with five assists and four rebounds.
Jayson Tatum is the 1st Celtics player with 20 points and 5 assists in 1st half of playoff game since Rajon Rondo in 2012, who was also playing at Miami that night. pic.twitter.com/UcC9YK6Npd
Then things quickly went off the rails. Tatum finished with more turnovers (six) than points (five) in the third quarter. The Celtics as a team shot just 2-of-15.
Blaming Tatum solely for the loss would be unfair, but Boston is having to play shorthanded for the time being. Al Horford entered the NBA's health and safety protocols, and Marcus Smart is dealing with a mid-foot sprain, and both players were out for Game 1.
Tatum had to shoulder a heavy burden on Tuesday, and that will continue to be the case as long as Smart is unavailable or operating at less than 100 percent.
The reigning Defensive Player of the Year averaged a career-high 5.9 assists in the regular season, and it goes without saying how much an offense can suffer without its starting point guard.
Derrick White isn't a natural point guard, and The Ringer's Dan Devine wrote how Heat star Jimmy Butler "ruthlessly hunted" backup point Payton Pritchard throughout Game 1. Butler put up a game-high 41 points.
In order for the Celtics to even up the series in Game 2 on Thursday, a more consistent performance across all four quarters will be required from Tatum to combat not only Butler but also the depth at the Heat's disposal.
Jayson Tatum, Celtics Slammed for 2nd-Half Collapse in Game 1 vs. Jimmy Butler, Heat
May 18, 2022
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 17: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter in Game One of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals at FTX Arena on May 17, 2022 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Throughout the early part of Tuesday's Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, the Boston Celtics looked like they were on their way to an easy victory as star forward Jayson Tatum opened up with a hot hand.
But it wasn't meant to be, as a massive second-half collapse by Boston opened the door for the Miami Heat to earn a 118-107 comeback win to take a 1-0 series lead.
The Celtics led by as many as 13 points in the first half. Tatum had 21 of his 29 points before halftime, and he had some people declaring him as a top-five player in the NBA. However, a disastrous third quarter led to Boston's demise as the team fell behind by as many as 20.
Unsurprisingly, much of the talk online about Tuesday's game centered on the Celtics' struggles in the second half.
Just a despicable third quarter from the Celtics. Marcus Smart appears to be ripping them apart right now in the huddle between quarters. From where I'm sitting, he looks like he's really letting dudes have it.
Celtics have stopped running plays. Pritchard is trying to go iso. They're just hiding Rob Williams in the dunker spot instead of at least spacing out pick and roll for him & Brown. Celtics still look like they don't know what they're doing while Nesmith is doing going crash mode
I know you don't punt a freakin ECF game, but I do wonder if it's more valuable to the team to just chalk this up, get Tatum and Brown some extra rest, and just go for the split on Thursday to try to steal back home court
— John Karalis š¬š· (@John_Karalis) May 18, 2022
I just don't understand what's going on. I was told the Celtics were already planning their championship parade?
Boston fell victim to another special playoff performance by Heat star Jimmy Butler, who poured in 41 points on 12-of-19 shooting from the field to go with nine rebounds, five assists, four steals and three blocks. Butler didn't even make a three-pointer, and he hit 17 of his 18 free throws. It was his third 40-point game of the 2022 playoffs.
The Celtics were shorthanded on Tuesday as starting point guard and NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart sat out with a foot sprain. Veteran center Al Horford also missed the game after entering the league's health and safety protocols.
It looked like Boston ran out of gas after halftime, but Tuesday's loss will surely be looked at as a missed opportunity. The Celtics won three of the four quarters, but they still lost by 11, which illustrates just how devastating that third quarter was.
The Celtics had the chance to steal a road win to open the series, but they just couldn't keep up with the Heat in the second half.
Celtics' Al Horford, Marcus Smart out for Game 1 vs. Heat; Horford in Protocols
May 17, 2022
Boston - May 3: The Celtics Marcus Smart (left) has a hand for teammate Al Horford during a second quarter timeout. The Boston Celtics host the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference semi-finals between the Celtics and Bucks on May 3, 2022 at TD Garden in Boston. (Photo by Jim Davis/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics will be notably short-handed for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat on Tuesday.
Boston announced guard Marcus Smart will not play because of a right mid-foot sprain. His status was one of the biggest storylines coming into the series, and he will miss at least this first contest on the road.
He will not be the only Celtic absent, though, as big man Al Horford will also be out because he is in the health and safety protocols.
Smart missed Game 2 of Boston's Eastern Conference semifinals victory over the Milwaukee Bucks but returned to play a key role as the series progressed.
He scored 21 points and dished out seven assists in a critical Game 6 win on the road that kept the team's season alive and then responded with a double-double of 11 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds in the decisive Game 7.
The league's Defensive Player of the Year averaged 12.1 points, 5.9 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game during the regular season. He also does much of the ball-handling for the Celtics when he is on the floor, which allows Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to find openings away from the ball.
Smart was surely expected to help slow down Jimmy Butler, Tyler Herro and others on the perimeter with his defensive prowess as well.
Horford averaged 10.2 points and 7.7 rebounds per game during the regular season but has taken on more importance in the playoffs with Robert Williams III in and out of the lineup because of a knee injury.
Fortunately for Boston, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Williams "had a couple good days of practice and should be able to play significant minutes in Game 1."
Whether he can replicate Horford's impact from the Bucks series could go a long way toward determining Boston's chances. The veteran had double-digit rebounds in five of the seven contests and exploded for 30 points in the Game 4 win.
Any sidelined player in this Eastern Conference Finals will face something of a tight timeline seeing how each game will be played on an every-other-day basis.
Wojnarowski reported the Celtics are "prepared for the likely scenario" that Horford will remain in protocols for Thursday's Game 2 as well.
Can Celtics Beat Heat Without Marcus Smart Amid Rumors About PG's Injury Status?
May 17, 2022
Boston Celtics' Marcus Smart during the first half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball Eastern Conference semifinals playoff series Monday, May 9, 2022, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
The Boston Celtics survived a seven-game series with the defending-champion Milwaukee Bucks, capping it with an impressive 109-81 victory on Sunday. Two days later, they're about to face another stiff challenge against the top-seeded Miami Heat.
As was the case for much of the Bucks series, Boston may have to battle Miami without one of its notable contributors.
Against Milwaukee, the Celtics were without center Robert Williams for the final four games because of knee soreness. He was inactive for three of the four games and did not come off the bench in Game 7. While Williams should be back against Miami, point guard Marcus Smart is questionable with a mid-foot sprain.
Marcus Smart suffered a mid-foot sprain in Game 7 against the Bucks, according to Coach Udoka, and is questionable for Game 1 against the Heat.
Rob Williams will be available with no minutes restriction.
Missing Smart would be a blow, as the 28-year-old has been a big piece of the puzzle for Boston this year. During the regular season, he averaged 32.3 minutes, 12.1 points, 5.9 assists and 3.8 rebounds in 71 starts.
The Celtics went 5-6 in games without him.
Smart has been even more impactful during the postseason, averaging 36.6 minutes, 15.0 points, 6.2 assists and 3.7 rebounds. If he can't go, Boston will have to rely more heavily on midseason trade acquisition Derrick White.
The good news, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, is that the MRI on Smart's foot came back clean, and the Celtics have hope that he'll be able to play:
Smart underwent an MRI today on that right foot and the imaging returned clean, sources tell ESPN. Thereās hope heāll be ready for Game 1 and Celtics will see how it feels on Tuesday in Miami. https://t.co/pAruJK3cbN
The better news is that Boston is prepared for challenges like this. Brad Stevens has established a deep roster that doesn't rely solely on standouts like Smart, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. One of the stars of Game 7 was Grant Williams (27 points, seven three-pointers), who saw extensive playing time because of Robert Williams' injury.
"Grant won us a playoff game tonight," Taytum said, per ESPN's Andrew Lopez. "A Game 7."
White will be the next man up if Smart can't go, and the Celtics should have confidence in him. While the 27-year-old wasn't particularly consistent upon his arrival in Boston, he rounded into form late in the season and in the playoffs.
While Smart is a key defensive contributor for Bostonāand also the 2021-22 Defensive Player of the YearāWhite can be, too. His defense was critical in the Game 4 win over Milwaukeeāaccording to Brian Robb of MassLive, the Bucks shot 0-12 with White as the primary defender in that game.
The Celtics, meanwhile, play tremendous team defense. According to Team Rankings, Boston leads the league in defensive efficiency. As StatMuse pointed out, Boston was the only team to hold Milwaukee under 90 points this season, and it did so twice.
Boston's defense isn't going to crumble if Smart cannot go.
Yes, the Bucks were without All-Star Khris Middleton (knee), but they still had Giannis Antetokounmpo and a 3-2 series lead.
Boston did not luck into a win over the defending champs.
Our proof is in our record in the second half of the season," coach Ime Udoka said, per Bleacher Report's Joseph Zucker. "We are not a fluke."
Boston is poised to prove it on Tuesday against the Heat, who will be without star point guard Kyle Lowry (hamstring) for at least Game 1.
With centerpieces like Tatum and Brown available, key role players like White and Al Horford in the mixāand with Lowry out for MiamiāBoston absolutely can win without Smart early in this series. winning the entire series without Smart will be more challenging, but the Celtics should take his injury status on a game-by-game basis.
Boston should not look to rush Smart back before he's ready because they should be prepared for a championship run. As Udoka said, this team is no fluke. This Celtics team is built to win a championship, and it should have its sight set beyond getting past Miami.
Jaylen Brown Praises Giannis as 'Best Player in the World' After Celtics-Bucks Series
May 16, 2022
Milwaukee Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo is fouled by Boston Celtics' Jaylen Brown during the first half of Game 6 of an NBA basketball Eastern Conference semifinals playoff series Friday, May 13, 2022, in Milwaukee . (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Giannis Antetokounmpo didn't come away with a victory Sunday, but he at least received high praise from one of his peers following the Milwaukee Bucks' 109-81 defeat in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
"Giannis is the best player in the world," Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown told reporters. "You can see why a lot of people say that."
This is one of the rare instances in which a star bolstered his resume in a losing effort, and the compliments directed Antetokounmpo's way are anything but patronizing.
The fact the Bucks pushed this series as far as they did with Khris Middleton unable to play is a credit to just how incredible Giannis Antetokounmpo is. He was incandescent throughout. It just wasnāt quite enough.
Over seven games, the two-time MVP averaged 33.9 points, 14.7 rebounds and 7.1 assists. In Game 6, he had a playoff stat line (44 points, 20 rebounds and six assists) that had only been matched by Wilt Chamberlain and Shaquille O'Neal.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XivmfSptxl0
At this point, one could certainly argue Antetokounmpo has supplanted LeBron James and Kevin Durant as the best player in the NBA right now.
Celtics' Jayson Tatum: Grant Williams 'Won Us' Game 7 with Massive Effort
May 15, 2022
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 15: Grant Williams #12 of the Boston Celtics reacts after making a three point basket during the third quarter against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game Seven of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden on May 15, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics had an unlikely hero in Sunday's Game 7 win over the Milwaukee Bucks in third-year power forward Grant Williams, who poured in a team-high 27 points in the victory.
Celtics star Jayson Tatum gave Williams the praise he was due, telling reporters, "Grant won us a playoff game tonight."
Tatum added 23 points and eight assists in Boston's 109-81 blowout victory over the defending champions. He joked that Williams' scoring outburst would not be a common occurrence, but he acknowledged how much the team needed a spark to survive Game 7.
"He took more shots than anybody on the team. I think that's a first. He took 18 threes. I told him don't get used to that," Tatum said with a smile. "But obviously tonight we needed it, he came up big, played amazing, had 27 points, and in the playoffs, you need that. You need guys coming off the bench to be a star in their role."
Williams' 18 three-point attempts in Game 7 broke a playoff record set by Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry. After a slow start, he finished with seven made triples. When it initially appeared that Williams was doubting his shot, Celtics head coach Ime Udoka told him the Bucks were "disrespecting you more tonight than earlier in the series."
Jaylen Brown added 19 points, and Payton Pritchard had 14 points off the bench for Boston. Marcus Smart chipped in 11 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds.
The Celtics will take on the top-seeded Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. It's Boston's fourth trip to the conference finals in the last six seasons. The series is set to begin with Game 1 on Tuesday night in Miami.
Ime Udoka on Celtics' Run to Eastern Conference Finals: 'We Are Not a Fluke'
May 15, 2022
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 9: Head Coach Ime Udoka of the Boston Celtics looks on against the Milwaukee Bucks during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 9, 2022 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images).
Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka saw a 109-81 victory over the defending champion Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday as validation.
"Our proof is in our record in the second half of the season," Udoka said of his team after it punched its ticket to the Eastern Conference Finals. "We are not a fluke."
Because of how they're performing in the playoffs, it's easy to forget how the Celtics' season was being framed a few months ago.
Boston was sitting at .500 (25-25) as late as Jan. 28. In November, Marcus Smart said the team's best players, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, "don't want to pass the ball," which was making the offense too predictable. Once again, the idea of trading Tatum or Brown in order to shake things up was at least being thrown around by those outside of the team.
Rather than unraveling, however, the Celtics not only righted the ship but began looking like the NBA's best team. After slipping back to .500 in late January, they reeled off a nine-game winning streak, which ended right before the All-Star break.
Following the All-Star break, Boston had the league's top net rating (12.7), per NBA.com. In addition, the gap between Udoka's squad and the second-place Memphis Grizzlies (5.1 points per 100 possessions) was the same as the gap between Memphis and Los Angeles Clippers in 17th.
Once the first round concluded, nobody was second-guessing the Celtics any longer. It wasn't simply that they beat the Brooklyn Nets but the nature of their sweep. They made Kevin Durant look mortal and used their depth to outlast a star-laden opponent.
The Bucks were without the services of Khris Middleton, but that shouldn't take anything away from how Boston continued to perform on defense.
The Bucks had the 3rd best offense in the NBA this season.
They have been held under 90 points only twice all season ā both in this series.
The Heat will present another difficult challenge in the next round. Few franchises wring more out of their players than Miami, with Max Strus and Gabe Vincent the two newest success stories this offseason.
Write off the Heat at your own peril, but the Celtics should arguably be considered the favorites given the standard they're currently setting on the court.
Giannis Runs 'Out of Gas' as Bucks' Supporting Cast Gets Called out for Poor Game 7
May 15, 2022
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 15: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts during the first quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals at TD Garden on May 15, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks' quest to win a second straight NBA championship came to an end Sunday with a 109-81 loss to the Boston Celtics in Game 7 of the second-round playoff series.
Giannis Antetokounmpo came out firing on all cylinders with 10 points, eight rebounds and six assists in the first quarter. His play faded while being asked to carry almost the entire offensive load, however, and no one else stepped up to save the Bucks' season.
Bucks are done. Giannis is out of gas and no one else showed up outside of Brook early on.
The team's lack of depth without Khris Middleton, who was sidelined since early in Round 1 with a knee injury, was on full display in the face of a swarming Celtics defense.
The Bucks could use Khris Middleton right about now.
— Mr. Statistician Face Man (@tomhaberstroh) May 15, 2022
It sparked debate about whether Milwaukee did enough with the roster around Giannis to make a serious bid to repeat:
I feel bad for Giannis. This is an awful supporting cast performance
Khris Middleton had so many huge games during Milwaukeeās championship run, including a 40-point performance in the NBA Finals. Iām surprised the Bucks won three games against Boston without him.
It would have been nice if anyone besides Giannis attempted to play the game of basketball. Bucks organization didnāt do enough to the roster this year. And letās remember the pre injury Middleton tweets that were being sent. Not like he was playing lights out or even close.
By the second half, it appeared Antetokounmpo simply didn't have the energy necessary to put the Bucks on his shoulders as he has so often over the past two seasons:
i can't remember the last time i've seen giannis look this rattled. years? multiple?
Meanwhile, Jayson Tatum enjoyed another strong outing for the Celtics with 23 points and eight assists. The C's also got a breakout performance from Grant Williams, who knocked down seven threes en route to a game-high 27 points.
Boston advances to face the top-seeded Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals. It's a rematch of the 2020 conference finals, which the Heat won in six games.
The Celtics last reached the NBA Finals
in 2010 and captured their most recent title in 2008.
On the flip side, the Bucks' core of Antetokounmpo, Middleton and Holiday are all under contract for at least one more season, but there will be questions about what type of moves should be made to reinvigorate the roster after the second-round exit.
Celtics' Jayson Tatum Says Threat of Season Ending Motivated Him in 46-Point Game 6
May 14, 2022
MILWAUKEE, WI - MAY 13: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks during Game 6 of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals on May 13, 2022 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images).
Jayson Tatum willed the Boston Celtics to a 108-95 win over the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals on Friday at Fiserv Forum with 46 points on 17-of-32 shooting.
After the game, Tatum spoke with reporters about the motivation behind his masterpiece:
Knowing that if we lost our season would be over with. You know, I was excited to play today. Game 6. This was, like, a big moment for all of us, for, you know, myself and the team, how we'd respond. You know, losing Game 5 was gonna make us or break us. And I think we showed a lot of toughness and growth, coming out here and getting the win on the road and just, you know, giving ourselves a chance.
Tatum scored 16 of his 46 points in the fourth quarter, including 11 straight.
It was an incredible performance after the Celtics lost a 110-107 Game 5 heartbreaker in which they blew a 14-point fourth-quarter lead at home.
But the Bucks have fought hard in their own right sans Khris Middleton (sprained MCL). Giannis Antetokounmpo has been stellar, averaging 35.3 points per game and scoring 44 in Game 6.
Game 7 has the makings of a classic. The action will take place at Boston's TD Garden on Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET.
Bucksā Giannis Says Celticsā Jayson Tatum Was āUnbelievableā During 46-Point Game 6
May 14, 2022
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MAY 13: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates a basket against Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the third quarter in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Semifinals at Fiserv Forum on May 13, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Jayson Tatum put the Boston Celtics on his back in Game 6 of their Eastern Conference Semifinal series against the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday at Fiserv Forum, finishing with 46 points in a 108-95 victory to force a Game 7 at TD Garden.
Even Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo lauded Tatum for his "unbelievable" performance during his postgame press conference.
"He was unbelievable. He was knocking down shots, tough shots. ... You've got to give him credit. He played unbelievable. He led his team to a win," Antetokounmpo told reporters. "As I said, made a lot of tough shots. Like, I think like as a team, we were doing a good job, you know, like being in front of him, you know, make him shoot contested threes, contested twos. But he made them. You know, and you've got to respect that. He played unbelievable."
Tatum was the driving force behind Boston's Game 6 win. He shot 17-of-32 from the floor and 7-of-15 from beyond the arc, in addition to putting up nine rebounds, four assists and one block.
It was, without question, his best performance of this year's playoffs. However, he has impressed nearly every time he has stepped on the court this spring. The 24-year-old entered Friday's game averaging 26.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 1.6 steals and one block through nine playoff games.
Celtics star Jaylen Brown said Tatum's performance was part of a "signature game" for the Celtics, and head coach Ime Udoka lauded Tatum for his "huge night." Some of the NBA's best players also took to Twitter to share their thoughts about Tatum's performance.
That boy @jaytatum0 sumn else. Bra from āparts unknownā lol
Speaking with reporters Following Friday's win, Tatum said knowing that a Game 6 loss would've ended the Celtics season was enough to get him going.
"Knowing that if we lost, our season would be over with. I was excited to play Game 6," Tatum said. "This was a big moment for all of usāfor myself and the teamāfor how we would respond."
Tatum will need to be just as dominant, if not more dominant, in Game 7 on home court this weekend. A chance for a 2020 Eastern Conference Finals rematch against the Miami Heat should be enough to fuel the Celtics entering the biggest game of their season to date.
Game 7 between the Celtics and Bucks is slated for Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET in Boston.
