The Truth About Jayson Tatum In The NBA Finals 

The narrative around Tatum is all messed up because he's not shooting well but if you actually watching the games you realize how much he doing.

JT now can impact the game positively when he has a C game. Tremendous improvement

When he is cold, he's doing well assisting.

This is the peak Celtics squad, maximizing their depth. But the media would rather see Tatum drop 50 and the Celtics lose by a point. Now they’ll start saying Tatum ain’t clutch.

if he starts making his shots they could sweep the mavs👀👀

Honestly, I think Tatum's biggest impact has been on the defensive end. Even though his matchups have shot a decent percentage when guarded by him, his ability to hold down the paint by guarding Gafford/Lively and then being able to switch the PnR has legit destroyed the Mavs offence. That PnR CARRIED the Mavs against the Wolves and their simply terrible defensive game plan and ill-equipped personnel I think even w/o KP for the rest of the series, Boston will win because of their defensive scheme. It's just the perfect thwart for this Mavs' offence

let's be real, even if tatum drops 40/10/10 the media will still kill him for not dropping 50.

Bottom line: He's a winning player that impacts the game in multiple ways. Pundits are relentlessly crapping on his shooting while ignoring that he's leading his team in rebounds and assists in the Finals, in addition to being a crucial defender that frees up their guards to hound Kyrie.

Love it. Once you filter out the hate and clickbait I believe everyone can see JT has been very positively effective in the Finals. Great breakdown.

Someone actually defending Jayson Tatum is rare sight nowadays in a landscape where’s it’s become the trend to hate Tatum for every move he makes. It just baffles me, the guy doesn’t do anything but hoop and show off his son and yet the way people talk about him you’d think he’s a criminal. But thank you for actually acknowledging the good in Tatum’s game this far, he hasn’t been perfect, but he most definitely has not been a negative🙌🏽

I hate when people summate tatum to just box stats. He is creating so much offense that it is ridiculous. People forget it is a team sport. Without his ability to draw defenders and make the arc clear for guys like white, holiday and brown then we wouldnt win. Yeah its not flashy or within the current mindset of the modern NBA, but he plays legitimate winning basketball. Sacrifice himself, make himself the target so the rest of the team can shin.

He’s leading the series in assists and rebounds

Tatum is still doing great, getting boards, making the right read when he gets doubled, being the great defender he is, he’s still the FMVP to me idgaf about his shooting splits

excellent video! thanks

Nice video been waiting for this one

All this talk about tatums scoring and efficiency but won’t bring up the defensive gravity he gets and he’s making smart plays and getting his teammates involved. Also is so important to the defensive scheme as well as evidenced there’s only been one lob for the Mavs in two games and he is grabbing boards on an elite level in this playoffs. the hate is unwarranted when they send 2-3 guys at him every play and let his teammates torch them is laughable

Great analysis 👍

Was waiting for this video, God bless!

Thank you for this video. I tell this to people and they act like I’m crazy. The “pre-shift” is a good term coz it’s like a double team without actually doubling. I should use that

i think Tatum played a great game

If the mavs change there defensive approach and choose to not flood the floor to his side when he gets the ball, he will smoke them for a 40 piece. They saw that in the regular season. So in reality thia series is over because he is doing the winning plays not the plays that will get you noticed by the media. In actuality he is playing the most vital role to ths teams sucess.

There is no excuse for JT’s shooting he just needs to be better on open shots and finishing lay ups which he is 100% aware of and said himself. But he is also the engine of the offense and without his ability to guard the Mavs centers and rebound with them the Celtics defensive strategy just becomes impossible. The truth is he is playing great just not amazing. Two good shooting nights and he could decided this series tho hope he finds his shooting touch rest of the series go Celtics

Great video. Yes, he’s shooting bad. However, all of these positives are real, too. “Both can be true.” -Joe Mazzula.

We’re in a world where someone people are saying is top 5, is getting away with shooting the ball horrendously. I’ve never in my life seen this. If this was bron, Steph, jokic. They would be getting killed. He’s shooting terribly and he’s not a top 5 player nor the best player in the series, he also has played good besides scoring. Two things can be true. Quit trying to coddle him.

What I find interesting about Tatum is that people say he isn’t a superstar but he’s held too a higher standard than everyone other than Giannis. He’s expected to play lockdown defence on the perimeter, contain the centre for post ups and switch on the PnR whilst still scoring 30+ points efficiently, play-make with less than a 2:1 turnover ratio. Luka, Jokic, Steph nor KD are held to these ridiculous standards.

I want to be first and say this man deserves a podcast because he knows what he is talking about and gives a fair assessment from both perspectives.

I just dont think Tatum is up here with the elite tier of players, he is like second most elite tier

It's unfortunate that he's not making shots he normally makes at the highest level of his career like most superstars do, but he is finding ways to impact the game despite that which most superstars also do, so he's impact winning at the highest level which makes him clutch and a superstar.

JT is also at peace with the way he is playing. The box score ain’t everything. The dude isn’t having as many of his WTF moments this series. Finding the right man at the right time vs trying to do it all. Yes he needs to find his shot and I don’t doubt he will leave his mark on the series.

Tatum is still the favorite to win finals MVP

In terms of scoring the ball I think he drop but his offense is still great he still provides in the offensive beside scoring and if he can get his touch back in the perimeter I wouldn't double think about who is gonna be the fmvp

Different subject but do you know wembys contract amount? I was wondering if he gets the max or takes less for a better team. Was it luka that took millions less to play early?

This! Most of the internet just looks at box scores instead of actually watching the games and analyzing second spectrum data.

The same people who think JT has been trash are the same.people who ignore their fave player being a defensive liability giving up 15 blowbys.

This man Luka literally just stands around unless he got the ball 😂

Jason Tatum can score 35 next game and have 15 assists and 15 rebounds and he’ll still get hate. The way people trying to dog on him is how everyone dogged your 2k character in 23 because he wasn’t shep owens

As a mavs fan I just really hope the shots do not start falling 😭 kyrie really gotta show up

You are right point before year some reason I said Tatum need to work on post moves not knowing he was going play the 4 or 5 not it is all coming true

1:12 without zingis these type of plays will be easier for the rookie lively to cover. He is having to think too much because of zingis 3p shooting. Curious to see game 3 without zingis

Tatum is the PERFECT superstar for this Celtics team. Being able to guard 1-5, can be utilized both as a screener and ball handler in PnR and rebound the ball like an actual big. His shots will start to fall and if it does in Game 3 and Mavs are done for.

Great breakdown. I have recently seen so much hate for Tatum and I don't understand it. He constantly gets good looks for the team and it doesn't always show on the stat sheet.

Jayson is over scrutinized. He's in a shooting slump, but instead of pouting like some other superstars when they don't score, he's busting his butt doing whatever else he can to win. If you swap Kyrie and Tatum with their exact stat lines, Dallas wins both games and he's "the perfect team mate", "a real leader" and "matured into a real player." If I'm a GM, Tatum is probably the fifth guy in the league on my wish list behind Luka, Giannis, Jokic and maybe Anthony Edwards. He can be frustrating to watch at times, but he is a net ++ in almost every game he plays in. He has almost gotten out of his own head in the playoffs this year. Almost. If he ever does settle down and eliminate those 5 to 7 possessions where he settles or jumps backwards, the league is in trouble.

He can have his worst shooting ever but I GUARANTEE he won’t be left open

MVP

Tatum has done ALOT!!! he causes de defense to colapse, he defends fearlessly, he has become a great passer and most important he's been very unselfish, and that!!!!..... my friends is Celtics Basketball and Champion mentality

Tatum is improving as an overall player. Few years ago I'd say he was too inconsistent it would be every other game. He's on he's on and you not beating the celtics, if he's off he's off and he'd be a liability taking too many shots and not getting the team involved. The celtics are being more like the larry bird led celtics and getting everyone involved which makes them a bigger threat to anyone. Most teams rely on 2-3 players to play well to win. When you create options you can give it to a guy with the best look, which is why guys like larry bird was so scary to play against he made his team better. John stockton not known for his shooting was a phenomenal shooter but he only shot when he needed too or if he had the best look but could draw the double team and dump it off to the open guy.

True. Watchout for game 3 & 4

Jayson Tatum need wisely shots & aggressive attacking to the RIM

He was 1 rebound shy of a triple double in game 2 😂

JT getting the official Boston pro sports treatment lol haters do all kinds of mental gymnastics bc theyre mad he has success, sometimes in unconventional ways that maybe dont end up on highlight reels, but he finds multiple ways to help his team win, assist leader, rebound leader, clamps on defense. Plus when your team often has 5-6 guys putting up at least 10, 12, 15+ pts each, you dont need one guy to score 40 in order to win. He's also just a class act, the most non-toxic guy, and yet people still hate on him. Think they might be projecting a bit? Lol

My problem with Tatum rn is I know he does a lot for the Celtics, but he shouldn't be the favorite for the finals MVP. Jaylen Brown should be finals MVP unless the Mavs somehow comeback and win four games. Jaylen brown has been the engine of their offense when they need to start a run to extend their lead and halt any Dallas comeback. He's also been effective on the defensive side. He's been guarding Luka and forcing turnovers on him, while being the primary driver to the rim on offense. So he 100% deserves finals MVP if Boston secures the win.

Thank you this wat tatum haters gonna be mad at

Tatum just doesn't shoot well in big games. But he can make plays on both ends which is more important than just being a scorer. He seems to have finally realized he needs to keep sharing the ball because everyone else is capable of scoring. And everyone plays top notch defense.

Meanwhile the guys at espn “Tatum is playing terrible” without explaining why 😂

“He’s an amazing role player!!” 🤓🤓🤓

While I would like to see Tatum score more the Cs are benefiting more from his unselfish play. I hope he keeps it up and don’t let the media get in his head cause that will be the Cs downfall. Teamball wins chips not hero ball.

Game 1 was literally a hot shooting night for them.

People that don’t know about basketball would say he’s not playing well In the finals …. But Tatum is changing the mavs defense ..

Forget JT for a sec but I need a massive trophy on the floor for the finals like why aint it there

sheesh

Facts is they not gonna swept the money will not be so much

You are right, Tatum is “valuable”. But Valuable should not describe an All NBA Player, the face of the team. This series Tatum isn’t the best player on the floor, he isn’t even the best player on his team, he’s the 4th best player on his team. That’s not good enough. It’s just not.

Tatum went from being a superstar to being the X factor ☠️

ESPN would never have a comprehensive breakdown for each player's playstyle even if those were treated as superstars per se. One of the saddest thing in every sports content. 😂

Who do you think is going to win finals MVP?

I think he’s playing great. Although shot is not falling. He still playing elite defense. And has a double/double in both games

People don't realize that if Boston are hitting their 3s they are practically unbeatable even if Luka and Kyrie are going crazy.

Media cares abt point. Not the values you put into the match

Tatum is the best role player in nba history

Incredible fuckin breakdown im tired of mfs who juss stat watch call tatum trash when he is far from it

Tatum doesn’t help his case when he keeps trying to match his game to the “Mamba” But in all seriousness i don’t believe the media wants him to score like 50. Ya do know he basically scored like 16 pts and had multiple turnovers. That isn’t a good look for someone who’s the face of the team. If he had like 20 with no turnovers or even one added with his assist and rebounds then it be a different story. I’d say next 2 games he should just got for like 20-22, no turn overs bout 9assits and 10 rebounds

He should be the superstar. All his iso last shot with the game on the line I don't see him reliable

Dallas defense is concentrated on Tatum. This opens up opportunities for his teammates.

I was listening to Bill Simmons and Ryan Russillo the other day and they both were going on and on about how terrible Tatum has been. And I was like what game are you watching. Ya he hasn't been shooting well but anyone watching these games can see how he's impacting the game in a positive way. It'd be amazing if his shots were falling too. But he's a big reason why they are up 2-0. So is JB, Jrue, White, Porzingis, Horford, Pritchard, and Hauser. It's all of them really. But JT unlocks so much of what they do on both ends of the floor. Great video!

Joe mazulla making it happen

He is a superstar, what just happens

I'll never understand why they talk so much about Tatum and not about Brown

Dallas Players when guarded by him are shooting 15/25

Tatum is only missing his shots, but he is playing FUNDAMENTALLY better than Luka overall

😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

He flat out needs to shoot better so I won’t say he’s been great but he’s def not been bad

His coach probably told him to just drive and dont think, ignore stats etc.

Still play better than Kyrie Irving from Scotland.

Getting tour dates from their lead creator took me out😭😭

I think JT will step up now that KP is limited to play.

The same people that criticizes him would love to have him on their facorite team lol

64K 1d 94.9K subs

He had 29 paint touches in game 2. These filthy casuals don’t even know what that means, let alone how essential it is for the Boston offense. The amount of physical effort that takes is absurd, and then to play solid D on the other end?

Ben Simmons v2.0 is Jason Tatum

Its Tatum Game 3

Kobe keeps shooting and gets praised. Tatum keeps shooting and gets clowned. Tatum isn’t as good as kobe. But the mentality that he has to keep going for it is insanely overlooked. People have stopped watching games and started watching numbers. Brown could not do what tatum has been doing in terms of playmaking, and both are playing great defense. They are playing with urgency. If tatum develops into a stronger playmaker and starts making shots, the celtics will be even more dangerous than they already are. It’s a sign that players with all skills will be the most valuable on a team; shooting, playmaking, defense, strength, etc.

Watch him drop 50 tonight 😅

Bro dont give the Mavs the solution 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

Trying to discuss who the best is no debatum, I’m finna pass on Cryrie I’m Jason Taytum

The KP injury worries me a little.

Im still hate watching. Im acc just jealous of Tatum, ive seen many of my favourite players get ripped apart for bad shooting nights in the playoffs so to see him get away with so many mediocre games is frustrating.

someone saying Tatum has been bad in the finals just shows you they dont watch basketball and all they did was look at the box score. simple

He’s a walking triple double good FG% or bad. Not every game is gonna go your way in the regular season. Not every series will go your way in the playoffs.

Slow mo just shows you how much nba guys travel

Okay he’s not shooting well and still impacting the game in a big way, but he’s supposed to be the number 1 option on the Celtics and you cannot tell me he’s outplaying Jaylen and Jrue right now, yet he’s still the finals mvp favorite?