Celtics
Jayson Tatum missed several makeable throws on Saturday night.
Any of his 12 missed field goals might have been the difference between victory and defeat within the wild time beyond regulation contest against the Raptors.
Although certainly one of those misses didn't help the Celtics win when the buzzer sounded at the top of regulation, Tatum didn't let it stop him from making the ultimate shot because the time beyond regulation clock reached zero.
When time expired after 4 quarters, he missed the goal of what must have been a straightforward jump shot with a rating of 116-114 and won the competition. Just a number of minutes later, the ball hit Tatum about 30 feet from the web after a physical five-minute OT frame.
As TD Garden collectively held their breath and watched No. 0 take the extremely deep three-pointer, Tatum's clutch gene resurfaced. He redeemed himself beautifully and ultimately secured Boston's victory with a rating of 126-123.
After the sport, Tatum said he was fully aware of his field goal percentage before taking his final game-winning shot. However, he didn't let that affect his confidence with the ball in his hands.
“I missed so many shots in the second half that I definitely had to make one of them,” Tatum said. “(Jaylen Brown) got run over, I thought they were going to call a foul. And I had to do a play.”
Tatum, who finished one assist in need of a triple-double (24 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists), could have allowed the awkward situation to destroy his confidence and flashbacks of his previously missed try to win the sport to run through his brain send.
Instead, he reiterated his confidence in his abilities on the pitch.
“I have a lot of problems in life – self-confidence has never been one of them.” Tatum said. “I work too hard at my craft. I play too much basketball to ever doubt the next shot. … I know what I’m capable of.”
Head coach Joe Mazzulla was asked how he ensures Tatum doesn't lose his confidence in crucial moments just like the buzzer-beater at the top of time beyond regulation. Mazzulla gave a straightforward answer, once more putting the player's physical and mental talent on a pedestal.
“I really just remind him of the work he does every day. Most of the time, more people miss game winners than create them,” Mazzulla said. “Just having the perspective… if you don't make it, you have to be ready to shoot the next one. He has the work ethic and the mental toughness to get through all of these things and you just have to rely on the work ethic that you put in and he does.”
image credit : www.boston.com