Jayson Tatum’s MVP candidacy in question after the Celtics post two straight losses
“Jayson Tatum’s MVP case is over, it is not happening. This has been a brutal, brutal three days."
The Celtics’ winning streak — the longest in the NBA — ended Tuesday in Cleveland when they fell 105-104 against the Cavaliers. Jayson Tatum had a chance to hit a game-winning shot on Boston’s last possession, but missed when it mattered most.
Looking to redeem himself and reassert his long campaign for MVP, Tatum took to the floor against front-runner Nikola Jokic Thursday night. However, the Celtics star receded into the background during the 115-109 defeat in Denver.
For the second game straight, Tatum missed another critical shot late in the fourth quarter. With 44 seconds on the clock, Tatum’s corner three bounced off the rim and right into the hands of Jokic. “The Joker” turned the rebound into an alley-oop slam for Aaron Gordon to seal the game, leaving critics to wonder about Tatum’s clutch play.
Tatum scored 15 points on 5-for-13 shooting versus the defending champions and made it to the line four times. His largest contribution of the night was eight assists.
Following the matchup, Tatum attributed his uncharacteristically low production to the flow of the game.
“We just got such a well balanced team that it might not necessarily be your night and other guys had it going,” Tatum said. “It’s not on me to hijack the game and try to make it about me … other guys had it going. If I had to be in a corner, be a facilitator at times so be it.”
Luckily, other Celtics players picked up the slack. Jaylen Brown’s offensive performance resulted in 41 points on 16-for-29 shooting. Brown was a force in the paint, capitalizing on mismatches and grabbing boards left and right. He had 13 rebounds, including six offensive boards, and added three steals.
According to the Kia MVP Ladder, Tatum still sits at No. 4 on the leaderboard. He retained the same position as the week prior despite the Celtics’ recent losing streak. However, some argue that Tatum’s credibility in the MVP conversation is fading.
“Jayson Tatum’s MVP case is over, it is not happening. This has been a brutal, brutal three days,” ESPN’s Brian Windhorst said on “First Take” Friday morning. “Three days in March doesn’t make the season, but the finish to that game in Cleveland — really that whole fourth quarter — and the finish to the game, very hard.”
The Celtics still sit at the top of the league with a 48-14 record, leading the Bucks by 7.5 games in the Eastern Conference. Boston travels to Phoenix on Saturday to face the Suns.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com