Former NBA head coach Stan Van Gundy recently made headlines with remarks about Jayson Tatum’s behavior on the court, suggesting that Tatum has been frequently complaining to officials this season.
“Jayson Tatum didn’t used to be this bad, but over the course of this year, he complains on virtually every non-call. Almost every time he misses a shot, he’s upset with the officials,” Van Gundy stated.
Tatum, known for his potential as a standout player and championship contender, faced criticism after a subpar performance in a recent game. In Thursday night’s matchup, Tatum managed 18 points, four rebounds, and seven assists, struggling particularly with his three-point shooting, missing six out of seven attempts.
If Jayson Tatum continues to protest as much, he might get a technical penalty
This lackluster offensive effort was reflective of the Celtics’ overall struggles as a team in that game. Tatum now looks to rebound and regain his form in the remaining two games before the playoffs: against the Hornets on Friday and the Wizards on Sunday.
Despite the recent stumble, Tatum has had an exceptional season, averaging 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.0 steals per game over 74 games. He has maintained solid shooting percentages with 37.6% from three-point range and 47.1% overall.
Sitting at the top of the NBA with a 62-18 record after 80 games, the Celtics hold the first seed in the Eastern Conference. However, they are currently on a two-game losing streak and have a 6-4 record in their last ten games.
Concerns arise that Tatum’s complaints to officials could lead to technical fouls, potentially escalating the situation. Fans of the Celtics are hopeful that Tatum can refocus on his game and avoid any conflicts with referees.
Ultimately, Tatum and the Celtics aim to bounce back strongly, with victories in their next games to solidify their position heading into the playoffs. A stellar performance from Tatum would not only silence critics but also contribute to the team’s success on the court.
