Three leaf clover: Jayson the giantslayer, signs of a great defense, and sad excitement

Tatum showcased his scoring prowess, but there were signs of defensive adjustment, and a reflection on personal basketball memories.

We’re in Week 4, I think, of this edition, and this will be the last time I attempt to mention the week number because I’ve probably gotten it wrong again, and it hasn’t even been a month. Let’s move on to the interesting and somewhat poignant aspects.

Key Stat of the Week: 88.9%

Mitchell Robinson is known for his shot-blocking skills, and Jayson Tatum, recognizing this, didn’t seem to care. On Opening Night, he displayed an impressive 88.9% field goal percentage in the restricted area, successfully converting 8 out of 9 attempts.

Let’s dive into an analogy for a moment. Imagine you’re at a lively wedding, the dance floor is rocking, and even the least coordinated folks feel like they can dance to “Get Low” by Lil’ John and the Eastside Boyz. Your friend encourages you to join in, and reluctantly, you do, fully aware that you look a bit ridiculous, but you gave it a shot. Mitchell Robinson is like the person joining the dance floor during “Get Low.”

If Jayson Tatum continues to perform at this level throughout the season, MVP discussions might start gaining momentum.

Tactics and Defensive Insights: Signs of Defensive Progress

The Celtics’ defense had its ups and downs against the Knicks, much like the inconsistency in the number of O’s and H’s I include in this section’s title each week. It’s understandable, considering they’re adjusting to the absence of a key defensive player from the past decade and integrating Grant Williams. It’s a work in progress, not necessarily a decline in quality.

For example, there was a lot to like in one defensive possession, but it also showed that the players aren’t entirely comfortable yet. Tatum provided effective help defense on IQ’s initial drive, but then there was some confusion, and an error occurred when defending against a swing pass to IQ. These are encouraging signs but far from perfection.

 

 

On another play, Tatum’s slight delay in responding to an aggressive move by Jrue shows the team’s unfamiliarity with one another. It’s not a cause for concern but a reflection of a team playing together for the first time. The potential is there, and as the season progresses, they are expected to improve their cohesion.

Non-Basketball Highlight of the Week: The Bittersweet Start of a New NBA Season

Shifting to a more somber note, if you’re looking for light-hearted basketball commentary, feel free to skip this section. The author reflects on personal emotions and experiences.

On November 2, 2021, the author received a life-altering phone call about the passing of their father. The looming anniversary of this loss, approaching on November 2nd, brings a mix of emotions, including guilt and sadness. The author acknowledges that they should enjoy the excitement of the new basketball season, as their father would have wanted, but it’s not always easy to do so.

The author finds solace in the fact that loss can make us appreciate life’s simple pleasures and moments, like savoring a cup of coffee, a well-cooked pizza, or watching Jayson Tatum play. Despite the shadow of their father’s passing, they plan to relish each Celtics season, viewing it as a way to honor his memory and a reminder that life is fleeting, filled with precious moments.