How Celtics’ Jayson Tatum is using 2022 NBA Finals to overcome shooting struggles

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum knows he’s been struggling to put points on the board. The Dallas Mavericks have committed to slowing him down in the 2024 NBA Finals, and their heavy defensive pressure has definitely impacted his scoring. Yet, despite the five-time All-Star shooting under 32% from the field thus far, the C’s are up 2-0.

A big reason why is because Tatum understands that there are multiple ways to influence winning. He leads both teams with 8.5 assists per game and has helped create a majority of Boston’s offense.

In the past, Tatum might try and force shots to get himself out of a slump. However, he’s learned, especially since losing in the 2022 NBA Finals, that he can’t allow misses to hijack the rest of his game.

“I think being in the Finals two years ago has helped me in this moment,” Tatum said during his media availability on Tuesday afternoon. “I understand that I do need to be more efficient. I do need to shoot the ball better, I would not disagree with anybody on that. But I’m not letting it bother me. I’m still trying to find ways to impact the game and dominate the game in other areas.”

Two years ago, the Celtics came up short on the biggest stage in basketball. Tatum led the series in turnovers and shot just 36.7% through six games. Boston led that championship round 2-1 before losing 4-2 to the Golden State Warriors. From that disappointment, Tatum was humbled.

“I’ve been here before and we didn’t win, and it’s just like, you know, we’re so close to what we’re trying to accomplish, why would I let my ego or my need to score all the points get in the way of that,” he said following the Celtics’ 105-98 win in Game 2 versus the Mavs. “If I need to have 16 potential assists every single night and that’s what puts us in the best position to win and it doesn’t mean I’m the leading scorer, by all means, if that gives us the best chance to win, sign me up.”

How Jayson Tatum is staying positive during his shooting slump

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In Game 1, Tatum notched 16 points while going 6-for-16 from the floor. He also had a game-high 11 rebounds and tied a team-high with five assists. Meanwhile, the Mavericks as a whole only had nine assists.

In Game 2, it was a similar story for the St. Louis native. He only made six of his 22 shot attempts in an 18-point performance. But, he had a game-high 12 assists (one short of tying his playoff career-high) and was one rebound short of a triple-double.

“I know what it’s like to be in this position and lose,” he stated. “This time around, trying to do any and everything possible to have a different outcome.”

Although the Celtics have done well without a massive outing from Tatum, they’d gladly welcome one, especially with the status of center Kristaps Porzingis up in the air for Game 3 on Wednesday night. Tatum’s facilitation has been pivotal, yet that doesn’t mean he’s giving up hope on scoring in droves.

“I understand that it could take one game. One game, I could explode. All the percentages and things like that could change,” he said. “So it’s just that mindset of I’m one game away or whatever that means … Yes, I know I need to shoot the ball better. And I plan on it. Not letting that affect everything else that I need to do on the court to help us win.”

Through two games, no Celtic has scored over 26 points on their own. This speaks to Boston’s balance and its ability to get production from multiple guys every night.

Tatum doesn’t want to ruin the Celtics’ well-rounded offense by trying too hard to get his own numbers up instead of finding the open shooter. As a result, he’ll do whatever it takes to earn another win in the Finals, whether that means putting the team on his back when the time is right or passing his way to victory.