Inside The Celtics

Fixated on Winning, Jayson Tatum Again Proves He's Not 'Bored Making the Right Play Over and Over'

In Monday's Celtics win vs. the Raptors, Jayson Tatum's six assists produced 17 points, the fifth-most he's created as a passer this season.

Bobby Krivitsky

John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
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Monday night at the Scotiabank Arena, the Boston Celtics completed their second straight regular-season sweep of their series with the Toronto Raptors. The visitors' 105-96 win improves their NBA-leading record to 31-9.

With Jaylen Brown inactive due to right knee hyperextension, the hosts' decision about whether to send a second defender at Jayson Tatum consistently, forcing his teammates to beat them, became simplified.

The soon-to-be five-time All-Star finished with 19 points, well below his average of 27.4. However, along with grabbing a game-high 14 rebounds, Tatum dished out six assists, which produced 17 points, his fifth most this season.

That included this dime to Luke Kornet, showing off his handles as he went away from a stunting Jalen McDaniels.

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That was part of a 30-9 response to the Raptors starting the second half on an 18-3 run. The three-time All-NBA selection led the Celtics' counterstrike by repeatedly attacking downhill.

And in the final frame, Tatum beating the double team set up the knockout blow, as he delivered a moonball skip pass to Derrick White in the corner for a three to give Boston a 103-96 lead with 1:17 left.

When asked about his patient and team-focused approach against double-teams designed to frustrate him and limit his impact as a scorer, the former Duke Blue Devil conveyed the following.

"It's not that difficult. It's just playing basketball the right way. (I) draw a lot of attention. I know that teams just not gonna let me play freely. I understand that. 

"So, watching film, knowing when they're gonna double, and just trusting it, (and) making the right plays, making the right passes throughout the course of the game, and don't go away from that. I could try to beat the double every time or shoot over it. But don't get bored making the right play over and over again."

Per Jared Weiss of The Athletic, teammate Jrue Holiday, who matched White for a team-high 22 points in Monday's win, quipped of Toronto doubling Tatum: "I like wide-open shots. I'll take 'em...So, please keep doubling so I can get open shots."

Further Reading

Ime Udoka Assesses Tatum and Brown's Growth Since Coaching Them: 'A Lot of Potential That I Haven't Tapped Into'

Ime Udoka Shares How He Felt After Celtics Suspended Him: 'We've Talked It Out'

Marcus Smart in Danger of Missing Return to Boston

Jrue Holiday Responds to Celtics Saying He's Sacrificing Most: 'Not Mad at My Situation'

Driven by Championship Pursuit, Jayson Tatum Unfazed by Sacrifice, Less Fanfare: 'Don't Look for That Praise'

Brad Stevens Shares What Celtics Are Looking to Add and How He Hopes to Do So

Derrick White Opens Up About Journey from Uncertainty He Belonged in the NBA to an All-Star Caliber Guard

Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'

Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'

Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'

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Bobby Krivitsky
BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.

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