“He Finally Understood”- Sam Mitchell Lauds Jayson Tatum’s All-Around Play in NBA Finals

Jayson Tatum got praise from Sam MitchellJayson Tatum (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics proved that they don’t solely rely on Jayson Tatum to lead them to victory in Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals. Despite not putting up his usual scoring numbers, Tatum played a crucial role in the Celtics’ win, as endorsed by former NBA player Sam Mitchell.

During his appearance on “NBA Finals Film Room,” Mitchell noted that Tatum demonstrated a newfound understanding of his role, recognizing that his impact extends beyond offensive production. Instead, Tatum prioritized contributing to the team’s overall success, focusing on the ultimate goal of adding another championship banner to the rafters.

“He finally understood that his bread is not just buttered on the offensive side. At the end of the day, this is about putting another banner in the rafters that’s all that he should be concerned about,” Mitchell said.

While Tatum’s scoring output may have been modest in Game 1, tallying 16 points, he made significant contributions in other areas of the game. He led all players with 11 rebounds and tied for a game-high five assists.

Nick Wright Declares Jayson Tatum Top 10 After NBA Finals Game 1 Performance

Following an exceptional regular season, Jayson Tatum continued to prove his talent and impact during the Eastern Conference Finals, despite teammate Jaylen Brown ultimately earning the MVP award. In Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Tatum once again displayed his prowess on the court, drawing praise from popular sports analyst Nick Wright. 

 

During his appearance on “First Things First,” Wright lauded Tatum’s abilities, boldly asserting that Tatum ranks among the top 10 players in the league.

“I like Jayson Tatum. Even if the Celtics win the title, it’s not really going to change how I feel about him — which is, he’s one of the 10 best players in the league,” Wright said.

As the series progresses to Game 2, fans can anticipate a bounce-back offensive performance from Tatum.