Takeaways from Boston Celtics Game Three Win

Jayson Tatum

Tatum is officially an elite two-way player. He had 39 points along with six steals in the game three win. Throughout his first five seasons, he has proven to be a complete offensive and defensive player. Ime Udoka, the Celtics’ head coach has made Tatum buy into his defensive philosophy and as a result, the former Duke University player has been the best player on both sides of the ball in the series.

His improved passing is what really stands out, however. He has averaged eight assists so far in the series. The basketball pops out of his hand so fast that it beats rotating defenders who try to stop him from scoring.

Robert Williams

The center officially made his return on Saturday night after having surgery on his torn meniscus. 24 days from his surgery, “Time Lord” only played in 16 minutes but gave a glimpse of what he has done all season, catching lob passes and playing stellar defense.

For the season, Williams averaged 10.0 points, 9.6 rebounds, 2.2 blocks, and 2 assists per game. He ranked 128th in points, 15th in rebounds, second in blocks, and 128th in assists per game. Also, he ranked 3rd in offensive rebounds. Lastly, “Time Lord” is efficient with his touches on the offensive end as he converted 73.8 percent of his field goals.

Media

The media originally picked the Nets to beat the Celtics in this series. The Nets do have an elite duo in Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, making the prediction valid, but it seemed like the media did not give enough respect to the Celtics.

Durant and Irving are getting shut down because the Celtics are double-teaming them whenever they get the basketball.

This series was supposed to have a conference finals matchup feeling, but the hype has not been present as the Celtics are up 3-0, making Brooklyn the only winless team in the playoffs so far.

Despite initially picking the Celtics in a drawn-out series, Boston has a realistic chance to sweep the Nets tonight in Brooklyn.

Main image credit: