Boston Celtics superstar Jason Tatum has helped him a lot to respond to criticism with his performance and attitude during the team’s latest victory.
Jason Tatum secured his 72nd career playoff victory as the Boston Celtics beat the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden 115-93.
The victory pulled the Celtics back to 2-1 down after the Knicks surged to a 2-0 lead in two comeback wins at TD Garden.
Tatum’s 22 points were solid. This was a step in the right direction after just 13 in Game 2, bringing a torrent of criticism.
And the way he handled it spoke volumes in stark contrast to recent comments from LeBron James.
Jason Tatum didn’t hide after he was worried about the Boston Celtics’ 2 slump. He accepted the criticism and admitted it was part of the process.
“I take full ownership for the way I played in this series. I can’t put any sugar on it. I need to be better. And I hope to be much better,” he said ahead of Game 3.
Tatum was under attack for his shot choices and his ability to take over a tight game in the final minutes.
And while the Celtics’ blowout victory in Game 3 meant he wasn’t tested in a scenario close to minutes, he also played efficiently enough to keep the Knicks back in the game.
By taking responsibility for the loss, Tatum was able to enter the third game with a gentle attitude without reaching over him.
Jason Tatum’s comments are in complete conflict with LeBron James’ choice of words after the La Lakers were removed from the playoffs in the first round.
James told the podcast he doesn’t feel a level of personal responsibility, saying, “In my career, I’m not losing sleep on ‘how did I have to be with me and Luka?’ There are eight other men. ”
James’ comments have been heavily criticized by fans, who have checked out and felt they were responsible for others.
At 40, James should be wise about how his comments are interpreted, but he also implies that he is past the point of compassion.
Either way, it’s a tough difference to see how Tatum’s comments and James’s words compare to the vast achievements of the Boston Celtics superstar.