‘Big Game Choker’ Jayson Tatum’s Comparisons With Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant Justify Celtics’ Readiness to Splash $334,000,000

Despite his undeniable talent and skill, Boston Celtics’ star forward Jayson Tatum has faced criticism for allegedly faltering in high-stakes games. However, an insightful post on Reddit’s r/NBA community has challenged this perception, shedding light on an eye-opening revelation about Tatum’s performance in elimination games. The statistics not only position Tatum as one of the league’s most efficient players in crucial moments but also place him ahead of superstars like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant in this pivotal playoff metric.

As Tatum’s current contract approaches its expiration, the Celtics are facing a monumental decision. The young forward will be eligible for a supermax extension worth an astonishing $334,000,000, making it a significant investment for the franchise. This article delves into the data and analysis that justifies the Celtics’ readiness to commit such a substantial amount to secure Tatum’s future.

Jayson Tatum Proves His Mettle in Elimination Games

The Reddit post brought to light an intriguing comparison of top players’ performance in elimination games over the last three years. Surprisingly, Jayson Tatum emerged as the standout performer, with statistics showcasing his unparalleled efficiency.

The Reddit post, authored by an anonymous user, sparked a discussion on the platform, with fans and analysts alike celebrating Tatum’s impressive achievements in elimination games.

Despite being known as a “big game choker”, over the last 3 years Jayson Tatum is actually more efficient in elimination games than: Giannis, Embiid, Luka, Curry, Durant, Butler, and Booker.
by u/VagabondReborn in nba

Quoting the user:

“Despite being known as a ‘big game choker,’ over the last 3 years Jayson Tatum is actually more efficient in elimination games than: Giannis, Embiid, Luka, Curry, Durant, Butler, and Booker.”

In 11 elimination games during this period, Tatum displayed remarkable composure, averaging 28.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 6.2 assists on an impressive 58.9% True Shooting percentage. These numbers outshine the elimination game performances of other prominent stars, including Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry.

Durant, widely regarded as one of the league’s most dominant scorers, averaged 36.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.7 assists in just three elimination games, posting a 55.7% True Shooting percentage. Similarly, the sharpshooting maestro, Curry, averaged 36.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists on a 57.5% True Shooting percentage across three elimination games. The data effectively dispels the notion that Tatum is a “big game choker” and highlights his ability to perform at an elite level during high-pressure scenarios.

Guarding Stephen Curry Was A Daunting Challenge for Tatum

The 2022 NBA Finals witnessed the Golden State Warriors clinch their fourth championship, led by the spectacular performance of Stephen Curry. Following the Celtics’ defeat to the Warriors, Jayson Tatum spoke candidly about the grueling task of guarding the two-time MVP.

Tatum’s insight into facing Curry becomes even more significant when considering the revelations from the Reddit post about his impressive efficiency in elimination games. The statistics showcased Tatum’s ability to rise to the occasion and deliver exceptional performances under immense pressure, surpassing the likes of Curry and Durant.

“You know, something about Steph, he move well without the ball, and they know when to find him. And it’s like anytime he get it, he looks at the rim, shooting it from the parking lot… So you gotta like get up on em.” 

In a league where playoff games often separate the superstars from the merely good, Tatum’s efficiency in critical moments paints a compelling picture of his overall skill set. Guarding a player of Curry’s caliber demands a combination of defensive prowess, strategic positioning, and anticipation of his unpredictable shots from anywhere on the court.

Tatum’s acknowledgment of Curry’s relentless off-ball movement and the challenge posed by guarding him underscores the difficulty of maintaining defensive discipline against such an offensive force. The Warriors’ guard is known for forcing defenders into making split-second decisions, a test that Tatum himself has encountered in elimination games.

However, it is in precisely these high-stakes moments that Tatum has demonstrated his mettle, performing admirably and silencing critics who labeled him a “big game choker.”