Boston Celtics: 4 ways the progress defeated the 76ers process

BOSTON, MA - MAY 9: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics, center, talks with teammates Jaylen Brown #7 and Terry Rozier #12 during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Second Round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on May 9, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the 76ers 114-112 to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 9: Marcus Smart #36 of the Boston Celtics, center, talks with teammates Jaylen Brown #7 and Terry Rozier #12 during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Second Round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on May 9, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the 76ers 114-112 to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jayson Tatum;Marco Belinelli
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jayson Tatum;Marco Belinelli /

Jayson Tatum continuing his clutch scoring

Jayson Tatum is the number one option on a team going to the Eastern Conference Finals. He is also a rookie. In the history of the NBA, these two things have almost always been mutually exclusive.

What Tatum, and Utah Jazz rookie Donovan Mitchell, have done in this years playoffs has been incredible to watch. In the fourth quarter and OT, the Celtics turned to Tatum. In Game 3, it was finishing over Joel Embiid to stay afloat in overtime. For Game 5, it was Tatum at the helm to hold off the 76ers in the final minutes.

When the game is on the line, there is no one who doesn’t expect or wish against him to have the ball. At just 20, he is not scared to take shots. He isn’t going to stand in the corner while an experienced veteran commands the ball. Tatum has attacked all postseason and should have no reason not to in the upcoming series.