Chowder and Champions
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Boston Celtics deliver an uppercut jab vs Bucks: 3 C’s who shined in GM 2

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

BOSTON, MA - MAY 01 Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics blows a kiss to the crowd as he reacts after hitting a three-point shot during Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden on May 1, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 01 Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics blows a kiss to the crowd as he reacts after hitting a three-point shot during Game One of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Milwaukee Bucks at TD Garden on May 1, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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Boston Celtics
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

A motivated Jayson Tatum helps the Boston Celtics respond

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum doesn’t need to score 40 or 50 points for this team to shine and he proved it in Game 2.

Since Jaylen Brown came out hot, Tatum didn’t have to do it all offensively, but he did contribute to the night with 29 points including some key buckets when the Bucks tried to inch their way back into the game.

That is really the mark of a player transcending into a top 5 player in the league.  Not only did he step up in the absence of Marcus Smart as far as team toughness goes, he made sure the team took on his personality on both sides of the ball.

As a Celtics fan, you really have to like Tatum showing some attitude during and after the game as he is really starting to show leadership in the way he responds on the court and also off the court as he is starting to become more vocal.

"“We were pissed off at how we played last game from top to bottom.  We knew that we just had to play better.  Simple as that,” Tatum said following the game, via NBC Sports Boston.” …Everybody contributed and competed.  We just picked up like if we had Smart, with toughness each possession.”"

The one thing to watch with Tatum, other than his constant complaining to the officials, is there were times the ball movement stopped in his hands.  He went back to isolation type ball which is a habit the Celtics as a team do not want to go back to.  Part of that was due to the Bucks defense, but it was also due to Smart being out.

Going forward, the Celtics will need the tough point guard back so their stars can shine offensively, particularly Tatum who is due to have one of those explosive offensive games.  He wasn’t too shabby in Game 2, but to steal a game or two in Milwaukee, they are going to need Tatum shining bright and taking over games.

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