Jayson Tatum 3-Pointers: How the Boston Celtics Unlocked The Game-Winning Moment Against Philly!
The Boston Celtics amazed the Philadelphia 76ers on Saturday evening in what has been named one of the greatest regular season games. In the dying seconds, Jayson Tatum slammed a 3-pointer to give the Celtics a 110-107 lead, which was the final score after Joel Embiid’s 3-quarter court heave was judged to have been after the buzzer.
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Down 15 in the third quarter, the Celtics turned the tide and even managed to have a double-digit lead in the fourth. Embiid, however, led a comeback that resulted in the game being tied at 107 with 10.8 seconds left. The Celtics’ attempt to find a game-winning shot was prematurely ended when the Sixers used their foul to give.
This gave Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla an opportunity to call a timeout and make a different play. He went with an old reliable, sidelines out-of-bounds set he had used previously in the season, which he confessed post-game was borrowed from Brad Stevens. Let’s take a better look at how the Celtics could liberate Tatum for the game-winning shot.
In many late-game scenarios, a team will often opt to clear out and let their best player go one-on-one against the defense. While this might provide the safest outcome – which is usually overtime – it does not always result in the best scoring opportunities. Even the most talented offensive players can find it difficult to score against a defense that knows their plan. The Celtics have experienced this firsthand in recent years. To increase their chances of success, they have learned that movement – both of the ball and the players – is far more effective in creating confusion and disruption among the defense, as this play demonstrates.
The scene opens with Tatum at the back of the court, Jaylen Brown in the far corner, and Marcus Smart and Al Horford positioned near the 3-point line. This formation widens the court and causes the Sixers to contemplate numerous possibilities.
As Derrick White receives the ball from the referee, Horford quickly moves to the opposite corner to replace Brown, while Smart heads toward midcourt to receive the pass. Tatum then begins to make his way towards the basket, which leaves the Philadelphia Sixers with multiple players to keep track of instead of simply focusing on the one with the ball.
The Celtics’ timing was spot on. As Smart pivoted, Tatum was already off and running, allowing Smart to deliver a perfect bounce pass to his teammate while in motion. This allowed Tatum to take advantage of the rotating Sixers defense, driving to the basket instead of having to start from a stationary position.
In an ideal situation, the spacing and motion would create an unobstructed lane for Tatum to drive to the hoop. This transpired earlier this season when the Celtics implemented the same play against the Cavaliers and Tatum threw down a dunk on Jarrett Allen.
Embiid perceives what is going on and shifts into the paint, compelling Tatum to pull up as Melton was running along him, unable to stop instantly. As a result, White is left alone by the wing due to Embiid’s movement, and Tatum had the opportunity to make the extra pass.
With the clock ticking and the basket in sight, Tatum made the wise decision to take the chance. His shot went in, swishing through the net.
With no timeouts left, Philadelphia had no choice but to throw up a desperation shot. Embiid’s attempt was incredible, but the replays showed it was too late as the buzzer had sounded before it dropped through the hoop.
Though Tatum had a tough night overall, he came through when it mattered most. He was responsible for the Celtics’ last 11 points, either through scoring or assisting.
Tatum told his teammates, specifically Grant Williams, during the timeout that it was “game time.” Despite the difficult situation, they were able to find a way to get the job done.
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