HopelessKnick wrote:Actually looking at Tatum's playoff log, he has been pretty underwhelming....out of 14 games against clearly inferior competition with little means to guard him well....he only shot aboe 50% from the field 3 times. 6 times he shot around 40% or even below. He had 4-5 solid game where he shot around 45%. He has shot below 30% from 3 over 14 games (ouch--how is that even possible?).
That's exactly the observation with Tatum more often than not. Same thing last season...I looked at all 3 series statistically and none are too overwhelming.....seems like the best he does in the playoffs is shooting 45% from the field and 36% from 3. Solid yes, even
very good maybe, but not quiet where you expect him at. I think that's the gripe many have with Tatum.
In 108 playoff games Tatum has averaged 24points/8rebounds/5assists on 44%/35%/83%.....good numbers? Yes! Even very good number given the fact that playoff % are usually somewhat lower. But are they great numbers? IMO Nope.
As a comparison Kyrie has averaged in 91 playoff games: 23points/4rebounds/5assists on 46%/40%/88%. I'd still rate Tatum over him due to overall impact on the court but you can see how some would be more hesitant about that. For example he shoots slightly worse from the field than Kyrie, Steph or even Brunson. There is really no excuse for a 6'8 long and athletic Tatum to be shooting worse % from the field than these small and in the case of Curry and Brunson non-explosive guys really.
Tatum needs that signature playoff series that everyone will remember as him carrying the Celtics through.
No, he does not.
The Celtics are 12-2 in the postseason. They have outscored their opposition by 10.1 points/game. Tatum just has to keep doing what he is doing.
If the Celtics play their game, which sometimes entails Tatum scoring, and has lately often entailed Tatum passing out of double teams to lead to other people's buckets, they will be fine.
If the Celtics stop doing what they've been doing, and start playing bad basketball, that's what will let the Mavs into the series.
