Celtics’ Jayson Tatum offered glimpse of scary reinvention during win vs Lakers

In a recent victory against the Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics’ star Jayson Tatum showcased a potential reinvention of his game that extends beyond his prolific scoring abilities. While Tatum has consistently elevated his scoring averages since entering the league in 2017, this season has seen a slight dip in his points per game (26.9 in 28 games played). However, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla sees this as an opportunity for Tatum to have a more significant impact on the game beyond scoring.

Mazzulla emphasized the concept of “reinventing” Tatum’s game rather than outright sacrifice. The idea is to broaden Tatum’s influence on the court, showcasing leadership and value in various aspects of the game. This shift was particularly evident in the Christmas Day win against the Lakers, where Tatum not only contributed 25 points, as expected, but also displayed versatility in other statistical categories. He recorded eight rebounds and seven assists, demonstrating a more well-rounded skill set.

 

Despite Tatum’s capacity to score effortlessly, Mazzulla envisions a scenario where the Celtics star expands his game, especially considering the team’s current depth. In the victory against the Lakers, all five Celtics starters scored no less than 18 points, highlighting the team’s offensive prowess. As the top team in the Eastern Conference, the Celtics lead the league in three-pointers made (471 in 29 games) and boast impressive statistics such as a player impact estimate of 55.2 and a team net rating of 10.1.

While Tatum’s scoring ability remains a potent weapon, Mazzulla’s emphasis on “reinvention” suggests a strategic evolution in Tatum’s playing style. This evolution could make the Celtics an even more formidable force, as Tatum contributes in diverse ways beyond simply putting up points. As the Celtics continue to dominate the league, the prospect of Tatum’s expanded skill set adds a layer of complexity to their offensive arsenal, making them a potential nightmare for opposing teams. The ongoing development of Tatum’s multifaceted game presents an exciting narrative for Celtics fans and the broader NBA audience alike.’