The Boston Celtics, led by their star forward Jayson Tatum, entered the playoffs with high expectations. Yet, after back-to-back painful losses to the New York Knicks, fans and analysts are raising tough questions. In this article, we explore Tatum's recent performances, the Celtics' late-game woes, and whether this is a bump in the road or a critical concern for Boston's championship hopes.

Jayson Tatum’s Playoff Performance: A Sudden Decline?

Jayson Tatum has been the face of the Celtics' resurgence in recent years. However, his shooting struggles have become a primary story in Boston's disappointing second-round series. Over the past two games, Tatum's field goal percentage has dropped below 30%. In a recent breakdown by ESPN, it was highlighted that, "Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, Boston's star wings, are a combined 1-of-12 in clutch time over the two games." These statistics underscore just how much the Celtics are struggling when it matters most.

Critics Speak Out: Is Tatum Overrated or Underperforming?

With the Celtics now in an 0-2 playoff hole, some have started to question whether the league’s skepticism of Tatum is justified. As discussed in this WEEI segment, local personalities have openly debated whether Boston fans have overrated their star. One analyst observed, "You just can't disappear. You can't be scoreless. You can't have two points or whatever it was at halftime. It was an absolute disgrace." While Tatum retains the support of many, these criticisms reflect growing frustration.

Fourth-Quarter Collapse: The Celtics’ Achilles Heel

The Celtics' late-game problems are not limited to Tatum's shooting. As The Ringer notes, the team has developed a worrying habit of surrendering big leads. In consecutive games, Boston gave up 20-point advantages, and their shooting went cold at crucial moments. "Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Derrick White, the team’s three best players, have been unable to get anything going, unable to catch a rhythm; Tatum is shooting 29 percent in the series... The Celtics have taken 100 3s and made 25. That’s not cold; that’s Snowpiercer," the article points out.

While the Knicks deserve credit for their resilience, the Celtics’ inability to finish has many fans anxious about the rest of the series.

What Comes Next for Tatum and the Celtics?

Despite the setbacks, there is still time for Tatum and the Celtics to regroup. Boston possesses the talent and depth to turn the series around. Improved shot selection, stronger composure in late-game situations, and renewed defensive intensity may be the solutions. Jayson Tatum has shown time and again that he can deliver in high-pressure environments—now he and his team must prove it once more.

Conclusion

Jayson Tatum's recent struggles have cast doubt on the Celtics' championship window, but they also set the stage for a potential comeback story. With criticism mounting and pressure rising, all eyes will be on Tatum as Boston aims to reverse its fortunes in the playoffs. For more on the Celtics' recent defeats and Tatum's role, check out ESPN's full report and WEEI's segment questioning the star forward. Will Tatum silence the doubters and help Boston bounce back? The answer will shape the future of this proud franchise.