Golden State Warriors ahead Draymond Inexperienced is both training some reverse psychology, or he’s genuinely impressed with Jayson Tatum’s play within the 2022 NBA Finals.
Two days after the Celtics’ 107-97 Game 4 loss to the Warriors at TD Backyard, by which Tatum hit simply 8 of 23 photographs for 23 factors and dedicated six turnovers, Inexperienced got here to the protection of the Boston Celtics star, who’s capturing simply 34.1 p.c from the ground in his first profession NBA Finals.
“I imply, it’s powerful. You’re experiencing one thing for the primary time,” Inexperienced informed reporters Sunday.
“I believe he’s dealt with it effectively. He’s possibly not shot the ball in addition to he’d like or everybody else would love, however total, I believe he’s been enjoying effectively, and that’s why it’s a 2-2 collection coming again for Recreation 5.”
Tatum has been an inconsistent scorer on this collection, going 3 for 17 in a Game 1 win and topping his regular-season scoring common (26.9 factors) simply as soon as in 4 video games.
He has thrived as a playmaker, main all gamers within the Finals with 7.8 assists per recreation and setting an NBA Finals file with 13 dimes in his Recreation 1 debut.
“I believe he’s dealing with all of it extraordinarily effectively,” Inexperienced mentioned.
“He’s taking what the protection provides him, and that’s what nice gamers do. However I believe he’s doing an excellent job.”
“I believe he is dealing with all of it extraordinarily effectively.”
Draymond Inexperienced provides respect to Jayson Tatum as he goes by his first NBA Finals expertise. pic.twitter.com/eoYnF5ovN9
— Celtics on NBC Sports activities Boston (@NBCSCeltics) June 12, 2022
Nevertheless, to Inexperienced’s level, Tatum has maintained a gradual strategy regardless of his struggles.
Tatum elaborated on his mindset because the collection shifts again to the Bay Space for Recreation 5.
“That’s all I actually care about proper now’s profitable,” Tatum mentioned Sunday forward of Recreation 5 in San Francisco on Monday night time.
“Whether or not you win otherwise you don’t win, you guys will debate rankings or what does that matter in your legacy and issues like that. That’s form of lower than me.
“On this second … simply making an attempt to do what I can to influence profitable by all prices.”
Draymond Inexperienced and the Warriors look to go up 3-2 on the younger Celtics after they take the ground at Chase Middle on Monday night time.
