The Boston Celtics have been running through the Eastern Conference playoffs so far as they appear to be destined to return to the NBA Finals. There are high expectations for the Celtics specifically their superstar Jayson Tatum, as his team has been a championship favorite the entire time. With the Celtic's lack of adversity in the playoffs a lot of conversation has been about how they might respond when they do face challenges most likely in the Finals. Tatum has been at the center of that conversation specifically because he has played well but has not consistently played at a superstar level in the playoffs. As the playoffs progress, the Celtics will face a higher level of adversity at some point but what exactly do they need from their best player to achieve their ultimate goal?
As the Celtics prepare to play in their third straight conference finals, they are now just 4 wins away from having a chance to avenge their bitter defeat in the 2022 Finals. A lot of the critique on Tatum's performance has been based on how he performed in the Finals two years ago and if he will rise to the occasion this time around. So far, the Celtics have only lost two games through two playoffs as the teams they faced dealt with injuries to their stars. Still, when needed Tatum has shown the ability to step up in big-time moments and play great basketball, especially in the second round against the Cavaliers. After a disappointing loss in game 2 at home, Tatum led the way for the Celtics on the road dropping 33 points in back-to-back games to put a stranglehold on the series. Through 10 playoff games, Tatum is the Celtics leader in points, rebounds, and assists averaging 24.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game.
Adversity or lack thereof has been the conversation when discussing the Celtics's dominance over the East in the playoffs so far as they likely will not face a great,
fully healthy team until the NBA Finals. Though they have not been truly battle-tested the focus should be more so about whether the Celtic's Finals experience will make the difference this time around. In regards to Tatum, his experience and leadership will be a difference-maker as he knows what to expect at this point in the playoffs. His leadership will be just as important as his play as keeping the Celtics from falling into some of their bad habits on offense will be key, especially in the Finals.
Ultimately, the only way for Tatum to truly overcome some of the playoff criticism he has received over the years will be to hold up a Finals MVP trophy in June. To do so, the Celtics do not need Tatum to take on a heavy offensive load as they have a great team with a lot of firepower. What the Celtics need is for Tatum to be at his best when those moments of adversity truly hit and be as impactful as he can be on both sides of the court. Boston has the best team in basketball and when Tatum is at his best they are nearly unstoppable.
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