It's been an up and down season for Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics, who can't seem to find any sort of consistency in their game. After winning in overtime against the defending champions Milwaukee Bucks, the Celtics weren't able to push through the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tatum, in particular, had a terrible shooting night despite scoring 21 points.
When asked about Tatum's off-night, Celtics head coach Ime Udoka went straight to the point with it.
“A little frustration on missed shots, letting it affect him on the other end. Just got to play through that.”
Tatum's 21 points came on terrible efficiency, as he shot a measly 8 of 22 from the field and 1 of 8 from deep. This, along with 6 turnovers, likely were the main factors for Tatum's frustration on the court. This isn't exactly an outlier shooting night either: the Celtics All-Star gone below 39 percent from the field this season and 33 percent from three; a far cry from his usual shooting splits.
This season has been a wild ride for the Celtics. With new coach Udoka leading the way, Tatum and co. are still in the feeling out phase of the season. New schemes and new rotations means that there will be some growing pains, and it's led to some testy moments between teammates. Hopefully, the Celtics are able to figure things out sooner than later, because they are definitely a better team than their record suggests.
In the meantime, though… I don't think Celtics guard Marcus Smart will be too happy with Tatum's two-assist and six-turnover night. Just a hunch.