The Boston Celtics are leading their first-round series against the Brooklyn Nets 2-0. This lead comes despite the Nets having two of the best players in the league: Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
Sam Amick of The Athletic got the opinions of multiple different sources throughout the league to better understand this series ahead of Game 3. The boldest comment came from an anonymous Eastern Conference scout, who argued that Jayson Tatum looks like the best player in the series.
“To me, if you’re watching the game and you didn’t know who these guys were, I’m not watching Durant (and saying), ‘That’s the best player on the floor.' I’m not so sure Tatum’s not (the best),” the source said, all comments courtesy of The Athletic.
Of course, as the anonymous scout pointed out, Tatum and Durant are at completely different points in their careers.
“We are witnessing is Tatum and Brown and that group entering their prime, whereas (Durant) is on the back end of the prime.” This doesn't mean that this scout believes that modern-day Tatum is better than “vintage Durant.”
“But,” the scout said, if you gave me a choice of which one I would take from this point forward, it’s not even close to me.” Going with 2022 Tatum over 2022 Durant makes sense. The Nets veteran has 50 points and 12 turnovers in the series, while the Celtics star has 50 points and eight turnovers. Not to mention Durant is -23 after two postseason games, while Tatum is +13.
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