Jayson Tatum Scores 37 Points In Strong Return

Many Boston Celtics thought their worst nightmare was coming true when Jayson Tatum went down in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs. On a dunk attempt, he was fouled hard by Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, suffering a bone bruise on his right wrist. This injury sidelined him for Game 2, and he was doubtful before returning in Game 3. He returned to the lineup, donning wrist tape, but has scored 36 and 37 points in Games 3 and 4.

Despite the lingering injury, Tatum has been strong and effective. His efforts gave the Celtics a Game 4 win to take a 3-1 series lead over the Orlando Magic. Will he help the Celtics close out the series in Game 5?

Jayson Tatum’s Return Performance

Boston fans kept a close eye on Tatum’s injury. Not only did he miss a game, which is rare for Tatum, but his shooting wrist was the injured one. Many feared this would impede him throughout the playoffs, where the Celtics hope to make another deep run. But he has come back strong. In Game 3, despite the loss, Tatum had 36 points. It was not a perfect game. The wrist still looked sore at times, and he turned the ball over seven times. But he still put together the best performance in a poor offensive showing from the Celtics. They lost 95-93.

In Game 4 though Tatum was excellent again. He scored 37 points on 10-of-25 shooting and took care of the ball. In the fourth quarter, when the game was tight, he was the answer for Boston. He scored 16 points in the final period on 3-of-6 shooting. Tough shots were going down, including a deep three and a fadeaway jumper that helped seal the game. The Celtics’ offense has struggled against the Magic’s physical play, but he has adjusted, even with his injury, to find new ways to score. Orlando has run them off the three-point line, which is their bread and butter, and Tatum has produced regardless.

One aspect of Tatum’s scoring production in Games 3 and 4 has been his free-throw shooting. In Game 3, he went 12-of-12. In Game 4, he shot 14-of-14 from the line. Against a team that fouls as frequently as the Magic, free throws can be crucial, and Tatum has gone 26-of-26 over the last two games.

A Tough Playoff Series

Tatum’s excellent performance in Game 4 gave the Celtics a 3-1 lead. This means they can close out the series with a win in Game 5 when they come back to Boston. When Tatum went down, many feared it would be a turning point in the series. Boston hung on for a Game 2 win without Tatum, and his 37-point game helped them win Game 4. The Celtics have had health problems this series beyond Tatum’s wrist. Jrue Holiday missed Games 3 and 4 with a hamstring injury, and Jaylen Brown has dealt with his lingering knee issues. Still, they are up 3-1, only needing one more win to advance.

However, the Magic are not a team to write off. They have given Boston problems throughout the series with their aggressive, physical defense. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner have been the lifeblood of their offense. Both have been scoring at will, making every game interesting down the stretch. Many expected this series to be an easy win for the Celtics, but every game has been a dogfight. They are making the defending champions work for everything, so the series cannot be written off just yet.

Final Thoughts

Tatum’s strong return has helped the Celtics build a 3-1 series lead. He scored 36 points in Game 3 and 37 in Game 4. Boston is one win away from advancing, and Tatum’s emphatic return from his bone bruise has been a huge reason why. Game 5 is in Boston on Tuesday night.