In a series featuring Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has established himself as the best player in the matchup. The Boston Celtics lead the Brooklyn Nets 2-0 in the first round of the NBA playoffs.

Tatum has not only been the best scorer but he is making a very strong case for the best defender. The 24-year-old is averaging 25.0 points and 9.0 assists, which both lead Boston, while shooting 41.2 percent from the field and 41.7 percent on 3-pointers. On the other end of the floor, he is leading the charge against Durant, who is having one of the worst postseason series of his career.

Durant has almost as many turnovers as he has points in the possessions that Tatum guards him. The Celtics star has blocked a jump shot from the Nets star in each series game so far.

Durant has established himself as one of the NBA's best scorers and postseason performers. Yet, Tatum and the Celtics are making his life miserable. The frequent double-teaming and contesting of his shot has thrown him way off his rhythm.

Meanwhile, although Tatum didn't shoot too well himself in Game 2, he dished 10 assists and was a monster in Game 1, which he concluded with a game-winning, spinning layup at the buzzer. The Celtics are in a great position to take the series as it shifts to Brooklyn.

If the Jayson Tatum clamps continue to shut Kevin Durant down like this, the Celtics will make quick work of the Nets.