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Boston Celtics: Glaring weaknesses take center stage

By Jason Haskins

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 23: Head coach Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics directs his team during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on April 23, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 23: Head coach Brad Stevens of the Boston Celtics directs his team during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on April 23, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 23: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Boston Celtics: Weekly player spotlight

It was an odd week for Boston star Jayson Tatum, who continued to evolve as a playmaker and facilitator for this Celtics team.

He suffered a 6-34 stretch from the field in the week’s first two games, scoring a grand total of 29 points. But his importance shined through, notching a triple-double against the Bulls and putting up similar numbers in the victory over Phoenix.

Tatum did all he could against the Nets, scoring 25 first-half points in route to a game-high 38. There was a some fatigue late in the fourth-quarter, with Tatum missing two free throws.

On the week, Tatum averaged 22.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, and nearly 7 assists per game.

Tatum has put this team on his shoulders, a pressure that could be alleviated if the core four of he, Jaylen Brown, Kemba Walker, and Marcus Smart could get more court time together. This group has only played together in 17 games this season, with each of the latter three missing at least one game last week.

Brown might be the most concerning as he deals with a left shoulder injury. He continued his hot-shooting with a 10-15 performance against the Bulls but missed the next two games.

Walker, meanwhile, missed two games as the Celtics to continue to manage when he plays. His one appearance last week was a huge one and his best game of the season. Walker had 32 points on a 11-17 shooting in the victory over Phoenix.

The bench contributed 30 points in that game as Payton Pritchard continues to take advantage of more minutes. Pritchard also had one of his best games, too, connecting on six three-pointers and 22 points in the loss to Brooklyn.

Boston did get Evan Fournier back against the Nets, but Robert Williams III is still out with left knee soreness. Fournier struggled in his first action since April 4, but will be an x-factor come playoff time.

Williams hasn’t played since April 13.

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