This is what Jayson Tatum is for. Just days after hitting a buzzer-beater to secure victory for the Boston Celtics, he took over once again against the Orlando Magic, scoring whenever his team needed him most.
It may sound exaggerated, but that is exactly what happened. At one point, Joe Mazzulla appeared confident his team could win without bringing Tatum back on, even deciding against a planned substitution. However, Orlando’s late comeback forced Boston to rely on their star to put the game beyond reach and secure a 108-97 victory.
In a game dominated almost from start to finish by the Celtics, Orlando had one last glimmer of hope when they cut the deficit to just four points with four minutes to go. Right then, Tatum went into action, hitting two trademark baskets and then setting up Neemias Queta and Paul George with an assist each. Game over.
The Celtics star finished with 32 points, four rebounds, seven assists and two blocks, taking his scoring average to 28.3 points per game, his highest since the 2022-23 season.
Tatum ‘cooks’, but not alone
The best thing about Boston, who have now won five games in a row, is that they do not depend solely on one player. Tatum may be their standout performer, but he is part of a well-oiled machine in which everyone plays their role. Paul George also impressed, contributing 17 points, six rebounds and eight assists.
How far can the Celtics go? Time will tell. What is clear is that Boston once again look like one of the NBA’s strongest teams, with plenty of reason to believe they can compete for the championship.
Orlando, a team of streaks
It is hard to know what the Orlando Magic are trying to achieve on the court. The team was built around a strong defence and consistent intensity, but that identity has gradually faded without a clear alternative emerging.
Last night, they relied on flashes of individual brilliance. Desmond Bane knocked down a couple of three-pointers, while Anthony Black enjoyed a brief scoring burst. However, Orlando still seem to lack a clear game plan. Franz Wagner also struggled offensively, shooting just 5-for-20 from the field and finishing with 14 points, although he did contribute 12 assists.
(Photograph by IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)