Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum went a long way to responding to criticism with his performance and demeanor during the team’s latest win.
Jayson Tatum secured his 72nd career playoff victory as the Boston Celtics beat the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden, 115-93.
The victory pulled the Celtics back to 2-1 down after the Knicks surged into a surprise 2-0 lead with two comeback victories in TD Garden.
Tatum’s 22 points were solid, a step in the right direction after only 13 in Game 2, which brought a torrent of criticism.
And the way he handled it spoke volumes, in complete contrast to recent comments from LeBron James.
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Jayson Tatum took the blame
Jayson Tatum did not hide after the Boston Celtics’ worrying 0-2 slump. He embraced the criticism and admitted it was part of the process.
“I take full ownership for the way that I’ve played in this series. Can’t sugar coat anything. I need to be better. And I expect to be a lot better,” he said ahead of Game 3.
Tatum had been under fire over his shot selection and ability to take over a tight game in the final minutes, with questions even asked over a hand injury sustained earlier in the playoffs.
And while the Celtics’ blowout win in Game 3 meant he was not tested in a close scenario with minutes to go, he also played efficiently enough to ensure that the Knicks never got back into the game.
Taking responsibility for the losses allowed Tatum to enter the third game with a calm demeanor, without allowing it to get on top of him.
LeBron James refused to take the blame
Jayson Tatum’s comments are completely at odds with LeBron James’ choice of words after the LA Lakers were eliminated from the playoffs in the first round.
James told his podcast he does not feel a level of personal responsibility, commenting: “I am at a point in my career I don’t lose sleep over that ‘how did me and Luka’… there’s eight other guys on the floor.”
James’ comments were heavily criticized by fans, who felt he had checked out and was pinning the blame on others.
At 40-years-old, James should be wiser to how his comments could be interpreted, but he is also implying that he is past the point of caring.
Either way, it is a stark difference how Tatum’s comments and James’ words compare, and speaks to enormous credit for the Boston Celtics superstar.