Jayson Tatum has been letting down the Boston Celtics

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 10: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on in the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 10, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

The Boston Celtics are two wins away from taking home their first championship since 2008. Conversely, they are two losses away from losing in the NBA Finals.

With the Golden State Warriors’ win on Friday night, they not only tied the series, but they also re-claimed homecourt advantage. Boston will now have to win at least one more game at Chase Center if they want the title.

Stephen Curry has been delivering fans a MasterClass performance, but the Celtics have been right there with him. Unfortunately, Jayson Tatum has yet to step up to the plate.

Jayson Tatum has been letting down the Boston Celtics

Tatum’s three-point shooting numbers are great. He’s shooting a blistering-hot 45.2% from distance. Unfortunately, he’s shot the ball terribly from everywhere else on the court.

His field goal percentage for the series is sitting at 34.1%. The only player (who has played significant minutes this series) with a lower field goal percentage is Draymond Green (23.1%). That’s not exactly a great conversation to be in.

This isn’t to say that Tatum hasn’t been effective. His playmaking has been crucial to the success of the Celtics, as he’s been able to draw multiple defenders and kick out to open shooters.

However, as the Finals start winding down, Boston will need more from their superstar forward. He’s going to have to deliver a top-notch performance in one of these next few games if the Celtics want to overcome the Warriors’ dominance.

Curry is putting in work for his squad. He’s been killing the Celtics from behind the three-point line, and he’s showing why he’s one of the greatest players ever.

Tatum has been shooting well, but he hasn’t been playing well. There’s a key difference. The Celtics need him to play his best, all-around basketball right now, and he simply has yet to do that in the FInals.

Shooting 2-for-17 (11.8%) from mid-range isn’t going to cut it in the NBA Finals. The playmaking has been great, but Boston needs Tatum to do what he does best – score the ball.

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