Mannix refutes the “absurd” Tatum storyline following the Celtics-Bucks game.
Can the Boston Celtics secure a championship if their top player struggles in crucial moments? This question has been raised about Jayson Tatum at various points this season, particularly after he has faltered late in close games. Tatum has faced criticism for missing key shots at the buzzer, notably a fadeaway jumper in a January defeat against the Denver Nuggets, and for shooting just 32 percent in “clutch” situations this season, defined as when the score is within five points in the final five minutes of a game.
However, according to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, these statistics fail to accurately capture Tatum’s abilities and overlook his capacity to excel on a grander stage.
Mannix discussed this narrative on the Celtics Talk Podcast alongside Celtics Insider Chris Forsberg following Boston’s victory over the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden. He argued against the notion that Tatum isn’t clutch, dismissing it as “ridiculous.”
Mannix pointed to memorable instances where Tatum has shone in high-pressure situations, such as Game 6 of the Philadelphia series last year when he performed brilliantly in the fourth quarter after a slow start, and Game 7 of the same series when he scored 51 points. Additionally, he highlighted Tatum’s 46-point performance in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against Milwaukee two years prior, and his impressive play throughout the 2023 playoffs.
Despite less impressive clutch time shooting percentages in some regular-season games, Mannix emphasized Tatum’s ability to rise to the occasion in playoff scenarios, with a 44.4 percent clutch time shooting rate in the 2023 playoffs and a 50 percent rate in the 2022 postseason. Moreover, he commended Tatum for his versatility in impacting games down the stretch, citing his ability to attack the paint and draw fouls, as demonstrated in a recent game against the Bucks.
Mannix concluded by lauding Tatum as an elite player and closer, highlighting his strategic approach in identifying and exploiting matchups late in games. He expressed confidence in Tatum’s capability to close out games for the Celtics, reaffirming his status as a key asset to the team.
