Jayson Tatum and his Celtics haven’t been in too many close games this year, as evidenced by their 57-16 record. However, on the rare occasions they’ve had their backs to the wall, Tatum has not come through as a reliable clutch scorer.
The star forward is 0-for-6 on buzzer-beater attempts in the final five seconds of a game this season when the Celtics have had a chance to tie or take the lead.
As for the final 30 seconds of one-possession games, Tatum is 1-for-9, ranking next to last among players with at least seven attempts.
If you encompass the entire clutch period — final five minutes — as defined by the NBA, Tatum is 22-for-61 from the field and 6-for-18 from deep.
Jayson Tatum in the clutch this season:
— 22-61 FGM (36.1 FG%)
— 6-18 3PM (33.3 3P%)
— 83 PTSIf you take away free throws, he has 50 PTS in the clutch this season on 61 shots. Really struggling to close games out for the Celtics. pic.twitter.com/RbDtYZkqek
— NBA World (@NBAW0RLD24) March 29, 2024
Tatum’s late-game struggles were on display again Thursday when he missed a shot at the end of regulation that would have put away the Hawks. Instead, the Celtics lost in overtime thanks to Dejounte Murray’s historic night.
After the loss, Tatum brushed aside concerns about his performance in clutch scenarios, expressing optimism that lady luck would shine upon him sooner or later.
“I know I’ve missed a couple this year, so I was like, ‘Damn, I gotta be due for one,'” Tatum told reporters via NBC Sports Boston. “I’ve hit a bunch of them in my career so far, but it’s part of it — make or miss league. I really do enjoy being in those situations.”
“I know I’ve missed a couple this year, so I was like, ‘Damn, I gotta be due for one'”
Jayson Tatum gives his perspective on his final shot of regulation pic.twitter.com/AA0dSoZ478
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) March 29, 2024
Fans who’ve closely followed the Celtics in recent years know that Tatum’s clutch woes aren’t new. Over his last five seasons, the Duke product has shot 36 percent from the field in the last five minutes of the fourth quarter/OT with the scoring margin within five points.
Jayson Tatum in the clutch – last 3 seasons:
36.1% FG
19.7% 3PT pic.twitter.com/vzz7JHXgzs— StatMamba (@StatMamba) March 29, 2024
Tatum has the opportunity to shut down many of his detractors this postseason.
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