Jayson Tatum Takes Responsibility for Celtics' Game 3 Loss to Atlanta Hawks

Jayson Tatum blamed himself for Boston's defeat.

Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Boston Celtics suffered a 130-122 loss to the Atlanta Hawks in Game 3. The Celtics won the opening two games of the first-round playoff series by more than double digits but fell short to a rejuvenated Hawks offense tonight. 

Jayson Tatum finished with a team-high 29 points and 10 rebounds on 9-for-22 shooting. The Celtics forward was also responsible for four turnovers.

Tatum accepted the blame for Boston’s first loss of the postseason.

"I get a lot of credit when we win and I have to take the blame when we lose, rightfully so."

Jayson Tatum talks loss to Hawks and how he feels about his game pic.twitter.com/dj9hjncPgH

— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) April 22, 2023

“I have to play better, I think,” Tatum said to NBC Sports Boston. “I had some timely turnovers, especially some reads at the rim. Maybe try and get fouled where I have to do a better job of making the decisions in some of those moments just in timely situations. So, this one tonight is on me.”

The three-point shot hurt Tatum’s Game 3 performance. The St. Louis native made 4-of-11 attempts from deep range, with three misses occurring in the fourth quarter.

Though Boston trailed for the majority of the second half, there was a chance to overtake the Hawks’ momentum towards the end of the contest. During the final minute of play, with Atlanta leading by less than six points, Tatum and Jaylen Brown both missed crucial three-point attempts.

Tatum recognized that not every game will result in a win and is optimistic for the team's next opportunity.

“I didn’t think we were gonna win every game in the playoffs,” said Tatum. “They played well tonight. We come back, get some rest, watch film, learn from it, and I’m extremely motivated and confident that we’re going to play better next game.”

While Tatum, Boston’s leader in various statistical categories, expressed accountability for the loss, it’s arguable that the Celtics’ other All-Star should be the greater focus. Brown recorded 15 points and one rebound, well below his season average of 26.6 and 6.9 rebounds per game.

Afterward, Brown, like Tatum, shared his perspective on the loss, including the need for the Celtics to quickly turn the page and prepare for Game 4, which is scheduled for Sunday night at 7:00 ET. 

Further Reading

Celtics Address Game 3 Loss to Hawks: 'This One Tonight is On Me'

The Hawks Hit Hardest in Game 3, Now, Joe Mazzulla Wants Celtics to 'Throw One Back'

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Loss in Game 3 vs. Hawks: Boston Struggles to Find Balance as Atlanta Extends Series

Ime Udoka 'Serious Candidate' to Become Head Coach of Celtics' Division Rival

Malcolm Brogdon Discusses Winning Sixth Man of the Year: 'I'm In a Really Good Situation'

[Film Room] Derrick White's Assertiveness Leads to 26 Points, MVP Chants as Celtics Take 2-0 Lead

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Win vs. Hawks in Game 2: Swarming Defense and 64 Paint Points Propels Boston to 2-0 Lead

The Celtics Discuss Their Game 1 Win vs. the Hawks: 'We Can't Take Our Foot Off the Gas'

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Game 1 Win vs. Hawks: Championship-Caliber Defense Propels Hosts in Series Opener