Jeremy Lin was on "NBA Today" talking about Jayson Tatum, and it wasn't just the usual platitudes. Lin, a guy who’s seen the league from every angle, pointed to something beyond the stat sheet with Tatum this season. He’s right. We all saw the Celtics’ early struggles, the 18-21 record back on January 21st, and the hand-wringing about whether this group had hit its ceiling. Then, almost overnight, things clicked. Since that low point, Boston has gone 33-8, a ridiculous run that’s seen them clinch the top seed in the Eastern Conference with games to spare.
Tatum is obviously at the center of that. His scoring numbers are up – 26.9 points per game this year, a career-high – and he’s dishing out more assists than ever at 4.4 per contest. But Lin’s point was about the *how*, not just the *what*. He talked about Tatum’s "mental toughness" and "poise." Real talk, it sounds like coach-speak, but when you watch Tatum now, especially compared to even last season, it makes sense. Remember the 2022 Finals, when he shot just 36.7% from the field and looked overwhelmed at times? That Jayson Tatum seems like a different player.
What’s truly different is Tatum’s decision-making under pressure. Think back to the March 1st game against the Cavaliers. Boston was down by 22 points in the fourth quarter. Tatum didn't force hero shots. He facilitated, trusted his teammates, and ended up with 10 assists that night, even in the loss. The Celtics didn't complete the comeback, but Tatum’s approach was telling. He’s not just trying to score 40 every night. He’s letting the game come to him, picking his spots, and elevating those around him. Jaylen Brown is having a fantastic year, averaging 23.0 points. Kristaps Porzingis, when healthy, is giving them 20.4 points and shooting 53.1% from the field. That’s partly because Tatum isn’t hogging every possession.
Lin also highlighted Tatum's improved efficiency. His true shooting percentage is a career-best 59.8%, up from 57.6% last season. That’s not a huge jump, but it’s significant when you’re taking 20 shots a game. He’s getting to the line more, averaging 7.1 free throw attempts, and converting them at an 83.3% clip. These are the subtle indicators of a player who’s not just talented, but smart. He's learned how to control the tempo, how to absorb contact, and how to get easy points.
Here's the thing: all this talk about "mental toughness" is great, but the playoffs are a different beast entirely. Tatum has shown flashes of brilliance in past postseasons, like his 46-point explosion in Game 6 against the Bucks in 2022. But he’s also had those disappearing acts. Lin’s observation about Tatum’s current state suggests he’s better equipped for the grind now. He’s seen the highs, he’s seen the lows, and he’s learned from the disappointment of falling short. This isn't just a physical peak; it feels like a genuine maturation.
My hot take? This year, Tatum finally sheds the "future superstar" label and firmly plants himself in the "current MVP candidate" tier by leading the Celtics to the NBA Finals. He’s ready to carry that burden consistently, not just occasionally. The quiet confidence, the willingness to defer, and the improved efficiency are all signs of a player who understands what it takes.
The Celtics finished the season with a 64-18 record, their best since 2008. That’s not a fluke. It’s built on a foundation of collective effort, but also on Tatum’s growth. If they make it to the Finals, it won't just be about his scoring; it'll be about the composure Lin talked about, the unseen shifts that have turned a great player into an elite leader.
Bold prediction: Jayson Tatum will average over 30 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in the Eastern Conference Finals.