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Jayson Tatum says he's not at his best yet. He sure looked the part for Boston in a Game 3 win
TL;DR
Jayson Tatum led the Boston Celtics to a Game 3 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers with a crucial late 3-pointer. Despite his strong performance, Tatum stated he is not yet at his best following his recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Key points
- Jayson Tatum hit a crucial 3-pointer in Game 3.
- The Celtics defeated the 76ers in the first round.
- Tatum is recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon.
- He stated he is not yet at his best.
- Tatum's performance was a reminder of his elite skills.
Jayson TatumBoston CelticsPhiladelphia 76ers
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jayson Tatum let his final 3-pointer fly — a dagger, in NBA parlance — and the rip of the net could be heard on the other side of the court.
Tatum pounded his chest in a pure adrenaline rush moment for the big bucket that quieted the crowd, crushed the hopes of a 76ers' late run, and was a crunch-time reminder that the six-time NBA All-Star is as close to elite as he was before a ruptured right Achilles tendon cost him the bulk of the regular season.
Tatum cautioned after the Celtics beat the 76ers in Game 3 of their first-round series that, no, he's not 100% back in his recovery.
Not yet, at least.
He could have fooled the Sixers.
With a little help from his longtime partner and fellow NBA champion Jaylen Brown, Tatum scored 25 points and played 42 minutes in the Celtics' 108-100 win on Friday night for a 2-1 series lead. Tatum made 5 of 9 3-pointers and combined with Brown to score 19 of the Celtics’ 29 points in the fourth quarter.
“It may not seem like it because I'm back playing, but it was a very, very long time for me not to be doing what I love to do," Tatum said. “I can't stress it enough, the fact that I just get to put my uniform on and run out there with the team is a win for me.”
Boston had a pretty big W, too, and rebounded from a surprise Game 2 loss at home that injected a dose of confidence into All-Star Tyrese Maxey, rookie standout VJ Edgecombe to rip back home court in the series headed into Sunday's Game 4 in Philadelphia.
Tatum returned for the final 16 games of the regular season and averaged 21.8 points and shot 41% from the floor. He scored 25 points in Boston's Game 1 rout and had 19 points, 14 rebounds and nine assists in the Game 2 loss.
Celtics fans — Tatum raised his arm in celebration toward a small pocket of them near the visitor's tunnel — want Tatum to be Tatum, like, now. Especially if the Celtics are going to win a second NBA title under coach Joe Mazzulla. Mazzulla, Tatum and the Celtics know there's still a process to follow in this comeback and perfect health won't be found in the first round of the playoffs.
Q&A
How did Jayson Tatum perform in Game 3 against the 76ers?
Jayson Tatum had a standout performance, hitting a crucial 3-pointer that helped secure the Celtics' victory.
What injury did Jayson Tatum recover from?
Jayson Tatum is recovering from a ruptured right Achilles tendon that sidelined him for most of the regular season.
What did Tatum say about his recovery after the game?
Tatum mentioned that he is not yet 100% back in his recovery, despite his impressive performance.
What was the significance of Tatum's late 3-pointer in Game 3?
Tatum's late 3-pointer was pivotal as it quieted the crowd and thwarted the 76ers' late comeback attempt.