The Boston Celtics are Jayson Tatum’s team, and it’s been that way since he first entered the league.
Of course, he’s had an elite sidekick in Jaylen Brown, who’s arguably been the most consistent at times, especially in the playoffs.
However, as much backlash as Tatum has faced for not showing up when it matters the most, stats actually prove that he’s been stellar when he’s had his back against the wall.
According to StatMuse, Tatum averages 28.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game on 48/50/81 in Game 7s, owning a 5-1 record, with his only loss being against LeBron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers.
Jayson Tatum in Game 7s:
28.8 PPG
9.0 RPG
5.3 APG
48/50/81%The only Game 7 he has lost was against LeBron. pic.twitter.com/Cnz4waAnhf
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 29, 2023
Tatum has faced some criticism for his inconsistency in the postseason, and he left a lot to be desired in the NBA Finals last season.
Nonetheless, he continues to take leaps forward as a leader, and it’s not easy to embrace that kind of role for arguably the most historied franchise in the NBA at such a young age.
He’s been around the league for quite a while now and handles himself like a veteran, but he’s far from reaching his prime yet, both physically and mentally.
And all eyes will be on him again when his team hosts the Miami Heat for a chance to become the very first team to ever come back from a 0-3 deficit in an NBA playoff series.
Will Tatum keep adding numbers to his already-impressive résumé? Or will Jimmy Butler and the Heat take his record to 5-2? We’ll have to tune in to find out.
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