'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Jayson Tatum struggled to make an impact during the Boston Celtics' loss to the Miami Heat on May 21. When speaking to the media following the game, the All-NBA forward revealed how he will avoid the negative narratives surrounding his performance.
"I deleted Twitter from my phone to start the playoffs," Tatum said. "So, honestly, I haven't seen anything good, bad, or indifferent since game one against the Hawks. I'm certain that after every game you win, you're the best player and the best team. And when you lose, you're not the star, and the team's not good enough. I'm sure there will be some of that, but out of sight, out of mind."
Tatum's performance in the Eastern Conference Finals has been subpar, and the Celtics now find themselves on the brink of a sweep. In the latest game, Tatum contributed 14 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals while shooting 33.3% from the field and 14.3% from three-point range.
Adding to the Celtics' troubles, the Miami Heat remain undefeated at the Kaseya Center, where they will play another game on Tuesday, May 23rd.
Joe Mazzulla takes the blame for Celtics' loss
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla took responsibility for the team's loss, acknowledging that he hadn't adequately prepared them.
"I just didn't have them ready to play," Mazzulla said. "Whatever it was, whether it was the starting lineup, whether it was an adjustment, I have to get them in a better place and ready to play. That's on me."
Throughout Boston's first three games against the Miami Heat, Joe Mazzulla has been thoroughly out-coached by Erik Spoelstra and has received significant criticism for his game management.
"It's where I have to be better to figure out what this team needs to make sure that they're together, they're connected, and they're physical by the time we step out on this floor," Mazzulla said.
The Boston Celtics need all of their core rotation to step up their production and execution. Currently, Jaylen Brown is on a three-game slide, Al Horford's offense has been absent throughout the playoffs, and Malcolm Brogdon's impact has begun to wane.
It's evident that the Boston Celtics boast the deeper roster, but their lack of execution and competitive spirit has given the Miami Heat an edge. Now, Erik Spoelstra and Jimmy Butler will likely smell blood in the water, and will look to close out the Eastern Conference series on Tuesday, May 23.
Should the Miami Heat manage to defeat Boston in game four, it would mark a sweep of a Celtics team that came into the playoffs as one of the biggest threats to lift an NBA Championship. As such, the Boston Celtics season would likely be deemed a failure - something which could cause the front office to reshape their current roster.
Furthermore, even if the Boston Celtics win game four, no team in NBA history has ever overturned a 0-3 deficit and it's unlike the Celtics will be the first team to do so.
