The basketball world should be on notice that Jayson Tatum is back. For the people that complained about his playoff shooting, he has changed his shot and we haven't even seen the best of Tatum yet. He has been all NBA for three consecutive seasons and can get better? Yes, he made a statement on opening night. Literally talking to the TD Garden crowd with the quote, "Let's do it again". Tatum went on to lead the Celtics in scoring, assists and three pointers made. For most, it's just another night at the office for Tatum. He clearly looked like the best player on the floor for a team that won by 23 points against a team that was considered to be their toughest opponent in the New York Knicks 132-109.
Many people will think that Tatum is motivated by what happened at the 2024 Summer Olympics with Team USA Basketball. His teammate Jaylen Brown said in a recent interview that he said in a text to Tatum "I'm mad for you" after Tatum logged the second-fewest minutes on Team USA and didn't appear in two of their six games. I'm sure when the Warriors and Steve Kerr come to town on November 6th it will be another chance for Tatum and the Celtics to send a message
The Celtics on opening night bludgeoned the Knicks from beyond the arc. The green tied an NBA record for three pointers made in a game and broke the franchise high 27. Tatum started the barrage of three's hitting six from downtown on his way to a 25 point first half. He finished with 37 points, 10 assists, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block and 1 turnover in 30 minutes. He went 14-of-18 shooting, 8-of-11 from three after tweaking his shot during the offseason. Tatum won every matchup against the Knicks newest additions in Mikal Bridges and Karl Anthony-Towns. Tatum went a perfect 4-4 against each defender with Bridges struggling offensively and on switches. Tatum & Brown shot 8-11 from the field when defended by Towns for a combined 20 points. Tatum only made more 4 or more three pointers twice in the entire playoffs. He did it in one half on opening night. Tatum and the Celtics haven't reached their ceiling with his improved shooting. And they will expect Kristaps Porzingis back sometime in December. Message Sent!
Get 'em Joe!