The Boston Celtics opened the postseason on a strong note. They defeated the Orlando Magic in just five games. With that performance, expectations were high for the second round, but things quickly went south after two straight losses to the New York Knicks. Jayson Tatum has faced sharp criticism for his performance in those games. In response, he addressed the media with a blunt self-assessment and accepted responsibility.
āI take full ownership for the way that Iāve played in this seriesā¦Canāt sugar coat anything. I need to be better. And I expect to be a lot better,ā affirmed Jayson Tatum as reported by Justin Turpin. In the two games against the Knicks, he has not managed to score more than 23 points. Thatās a far cry from the 35-plus points he scored several times in the first round of the postseason.
Jayson Tatum is averaging 18 points. This is his lowest NBA playoff average since the 2018-19 season, when he averaged just 12 points. However, instead of making excuses, Jayson has admitted he has not met expectations. In doing so, he shows leadership and accountability. Moreover, all is not lost. There are still two games left, and the team can force a Game 5 to reach the conference finals.
If there is something Doc Rivers has achieved, it is building a consistent team. They can bounce back from adversity. In addition, their individual talent and strong three-point shooting give them a real chance. However, they will need more from Jayson Tatum on offense.
Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates a basket during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on February 02, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Even though Jaylen Brown has performed well, he has not surpassed 23 points either. As a result, the offense has struggled. If Tatum can return to his 35-point form, the team will be in a better position to reach the third round of the playoffs.
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Boston Celtics could face major consequences if they fail to reach the third round of the NBA playoffs
The Boston Celtics have one of the most complete rosters in the NBA. They are strong on both offense and defense. In addition, they have managed to keep two stars: Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. That is something very few franchises have accomplished in recent years. However, things could change soon after the teamās sale to Bill Chisholm.
According to NBA insider Brian Windhorst, the teamās payroll stands at $460 million, including taxes. If they join the draft, that number could reach $500 million. For this reason, Windhorst warns that a playoff failure could trigger roster changes. The Celtics may not be able to justify such a high cost. After all, franchises are businesses. If there is no return on investment, leadership will make changes.
Because of that, the front office is exploring trade options to ease financial pressure, as reported by Shams Charania. If that happens, the current star-studded roster may be dismantled. This scenario could upset fans. However, it may be the only solution to fix the teamās financial problems and begin a new project.
