In order for the Boston Celtics to beat the Golden State Warriors in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, Jayson Tatum needs to step up. More than that, though, Stephen A. Smith believes the youngster should change the way he approaches the match.
Speaking on ESPN's First Take, Smith was asked who he thinks should level up their play in Game 6 between Tatum and Jaylen Brown. The two players have been putting up solid numbers, but they seem to disappear in crunch time and during the biggest moments–and such was the case in the last two matches that saw Boston lose.
For Smith, it is naturally Tatum's job to carry the load for the Celtics. Furthermore, he also warned the 24-year-old to stop expecting the referees to get the calls whenever he attacks the basket.
“He's looking for help from the officials. You're not winning championships that way…come championship round, officials gon' look at you like ‘What you want me to do? This is your job. Play,'” Smith said of Tatum, per ClutchPoints Twitter.




Stephen A. Smith makes a good point. At the end of the day, Jayson Tatum needs to focus on the things he can control and work on it. He cannot let the officials and the lack of calls distratc him and take him off his rhythm.
The Celtics need to win Game 6 or else it's over. With that said, it is probably the best time for Tatum to heed Smith's advice,
"He's looking for help from the officials. You're not winning championships that way…come championship round, officials gon' look at you like 'What you want me to do? This is your job. Play.'"
Stephen A. Smith on Jayson Tatum heading into Game 6 🗣pic.twitter.com/DZQA3eCtgb
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 15, 2022