The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Boston Celtics 103-101 to take a 2-1 series lead in Game 3 that went down to the wire. Marcus Smart intentionally missed a free throw with a few seconds left on the clock and the Celtics had a few attempts for a tip in, but couldn’t get the ball in the hoop to force overtime. Jayson Tatum struggled in Game 3 in all aspects finishing with 10 points on 4-19 shooting, one rebound, and three assists. The Celtics are going to need Tatum to step up tonight to tie the series at 2-2.
Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 42 points (FG 16-30) in Game 3 and the Celtics couldn’t stop him from scoring in the paint or getting to the line. With Khris Middleton out, the Celtics are the better team but with Tatum’s poor shooting in games 1 (FG 6-18) and 3, it offsets the advantage.
Not all of Tatum’s shot attempts were bad, but after missing several outside shots, it was time for him drive in the lane and at least get to the foul line. In Game 3, Tatum only had three free-throw attempts and I would like to see him be more aggressive attacking the rim.
I have to give credit to the Bucks’ interior defense however. The few times that Tatum drove the ball, the Greek Freak would help on the weak side and close off any opening.
If Giannis is going to help on every drive, the Celtics have to find the open guy or take it to Giannis and get him in foul trouble.
Jayson Tatum wasn’t the only one that struggled for Boston in Game 3. Marcus Smart went 1-8 from the field and Grant Williams shot 2-9 from the floor. Smart and Williams can both be more efficient from the field but they’re not the Celtics’ star players.
Boston needs Jayson Tatum to lead the charge alongside Jaylen Brown to tie the series up at two apiece to avoid going down 3-1 in the series. A recipe of efficient three-point shooting, attacking the rim, and getting to the free-throw line will prime Tatum for a great performance. I know Tatum can deliver, we’ll all see in Game 4 tonight.