The Boston Celtics are getting back to their winning ways following a 116-111 victory over the lowly Phoenix Suns. The Celtics have been clicking on all cylinders in the 2017-18 NBA season, but more importantly, their success has also helped groom their stable of talented, young players.
Among them have been rookie small forward Jayson Tatum. Despite being just under 25 games into the year, the third overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft has already left quite an impression on head coach Brad Stevens, according to Scott Souza of the MetroWest Daily News:
“It was pretty clear coming in Jayson Tatum would be able to score the ball. You don't know how he'll be in that moment. But he's got great fearlessness and great skill.”
Tatum came into the league as a bonafide scorer and has been consistent all year long. The rookie forward is averaging 13.7 points and 5.3 rebounds, while shooting an astounding 48.6 percent from the three-point line.
However, he kicked things up a notch by playing an integral role helping to keep the Celtics' previous 16-game win streak alive. Tatum became Boston's go-to scorer in the absence of superstar point guard — and current “King in the Fourth” — Kyrie Irving. Needless to say, he delivered with back-to-back clutch performances versus the Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors.
Tatum continues to play well down the stretch when the Celtics have needed a spark. Now that he has seemingly earned the trust of his coach, it is safe to assume he may carry an increased workload as the season goes on.
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