Welcome to the Basketball Hangover. I write about what’s happening in the NBA daily, even when COVID has ravaged the league.
Jayson Tatum led the Celtics to a huge comeback while tying a record in the process.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images.)
I don’t know how many times Jayson Tatum has to prove it. But I suppose critics are a fickle bunch. Either way, Tatum had the game of his NBA life that would even make the most criticial of people give him props.
At first, it was going to be an embarrassing affair for the Celtics. The Spurs were up by 32 points at one point. The Celtics were able to get it down to 13 after a 42-point third quarter. Then Tatum went to work. He and Aaron Nesmith surged the Celtics to a comeback. A three by Tatum with 38 seconds left actually gave Boston the lead. He would actually split foul shots late in the game, which gave the Spurs a chance to tie the game. After DeMar DeRozan did just that, Tatum missed a game-winning jumper and the game went an extra session.
While Tatum did all the heavy lifting, it was the struggling Jaylen Brown that hit the go-ahead three with 16 ticks left. Tatum would put away the game with free throws and end the game with a franchise-tying 60 points. He scored 31 in both the 4th quarter and overtime in an indelible effort. Tatum tied Larry Bird‘s record for most points in a single game scored by a Celtic.
If anything, it’s really embarrassing that people would criticize Tatum like that. That he supposedly doesn’t have his head in the game. That he doesn’t want to be in Boston. Never mind that he’s still suffering from the COVID effects and that the Celtics are struggling in general. It’s not going to stop people from talking but, at this point, you just look at them as haters.
The dude is averaging 26.4 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. But tell me again how he doesn’t have his head in the game.
Jayson Tatum is there to stay. And he’s proved once again why he is seen as a rising star in the league.
Bullet Passes
LeBron James made his return to the line-up and he did look like a guy just coming back from a spranied ankle. 16-8-7 is a fantastic line but for James, it’s merely pedestrian. The Sacramento Kings spoiled the party in an upset win.
Still, I think the Lakers are going to be fine. They just have to get healthy.
After a 2-9 stretch, Portland has come back to win three games in a row. They’re only a half-game behind what is now a coveted 6th seed. Once again, you don’t want to be stuck in a play-in series. While we’re at it, they’re only a full game behind #5 Lakers.
And with the Grizzlies win and a Spurs loss, the Grizz leapfrogged to the 8th spot. While the 6th is coveted, the 8th seed has two chances to clinch a playoff spot while the 9th and 10th cannot lose. It’s win or go home for either spot.
The Wizards have won 12 of 14 and are clearly ahead of the pack for the 10th seed. But they’re also only 1 1/2 games behind #8 Charlotte. Not sure if they’ll catch #6 Boston (4.5 games behind) but it’s better to be in 7 or 8 than 9 or 10.
Russell Westbrook got another triple-double, which brings his total to 31 in this shortened season. I don’t care what anyone says; that’s freakin’ remarkable.
It’s been a while since we’ve said this but the Phoenix Suns are the #1 seed in the West with two weeks left in the regular season. That, in itself, is incredible.
NBA Scoreboard
Apr. 30, 2021
Watch This Play
Ja Morant, you showoff.
(VIDEO CREDIT: House of Highlights.)
JA MAKIN’ ME CRAZY. (I will never tire of that corny line.)
Everyone, please take care of yourselves during this pandemic. And that goes for everyone involved with the NBA as well.
You can find Rey-Rey on Twitter at @TheNoLookPass.
You can also check out Rey-Rey’s podcast, Rey-Rey Is Fundamental, for more basketball content and, really, whatever else.
R.I.P. Nala.