Celtics Rookie Jayson Tatum Gaining Swagger As Playoffs Advance

Jayson Tatum. (Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

BOSTON (WBZ-AM) -- Celtics star-in-the-making Jayson Tatum is just 20 years old. 

He's the youngest player in NBA playoff history to reach 20 points in five straight games.

And he seems to be getting better each time out.

Tatum's averaging 23 points on 50 percent shooting during the run, and coach Brad Stevens has incredible confidence in the youngster.

"He's been very good driving the ball and making the right plays, and no moment's too big," Stevens said. "He's a competitive guy."

Celtics Aren't Looking Past Game 4, Despite Commanding Series Lead

The Celtics lead the Sixers 3-0 in the East semifinals, but coach Brad Stevens isn't looking past tonight's Game 4.

Tatum discussed how he stays so poised under pressure.

"Ever since I was young, I just always envisioned myself in these type of moments in the playoffs, at the highest level," he said. "It came quicker than I expected, at a young age, but I think it's still basketball ... we've all worked our whole lives to get to this point."

The Duke product's aggressive, always learning, and clearly trusted by his coaches and teammates.

And there's swagger now, even telling Sixers stud Joel Embiid he got lucky after Tatum failed on a tomahawk dunk on Embiid's head late in Saturday's overtime win.

Tatum said he was joking, but I think it's more likely he didn't want to get involved in any public trash-talking.

Celts can sweep the Sixers with a win in Game 4 tonight. Tip-off is at 6 p.m. in Philadelphia.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Adam Kaufman reports


View Full Site