Despite being a key player for the Boston Celtics, Jayson Tatum has struggled in the first two playoff games against the New York Knicks, taking full ownership of his poor performance. Tatum has been plagued by a lackluster shooting percentage and turnovers, vowing to step up his game for the crucial Game 3. The Celtics, as a team, have also faced offensive challenges, particularly in the fourth quarter where they have been outscored by the Knicks in both games despite holding significant leads.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla emphasized the need for the team to maintain confidence and aggressiveness on the court, urging players not to shy away from taking shots. Tatum's commitment to improving and Mazzulla's realistic approach to addressing their predicament highlight the team's determination to bounce back from their 0-2 series deficit. Additionally, concerns over center Kristaps Porzingis' health and limited playing time due to illness add a layer of uncertainty for the Celtics as they aim to turn the series around in Game 3.