Boston’s Jayson Tatum had the mismatch on Cleveland’s Georges Niang. The Cavaliers had erased the Celtics’ 21-point lead and trailed by just two points as the third quarter dwindled to its end.
Tatum drove hard to his left and put on the brakes. Niang tried to absorb contact in hope of getting a referee to call an offensive foul on Tatum. He failed, flailing and falling. Tatum took the 3-pointer and gave the Celtics a five-point lead headed into the fourth quarter.
The Celtics defeated the Cavaliers, 120-117, on Tuesday, giving Cleveland its first loss of the season and ending its 15-game winning streak, which matched the second-best start to a season in NBA history.
That Tatum 3 was one of six he made and part of a 33-point, 12-rebound, seven-assist, two-steal effort from the Celtics’ star.
Given Cleveland’s start and Boston’s role as defending champion and favorite to win the Eastern Conference again, it was a big regular-season game, and add in that it was an NBA Cup matchup – and a possible East playoff matchup – fans and media paid attention.
A truth emerged: If Tatum continues to play at an MVP level and if the Celtics continue to use the 3-ball so effectively and if they’re defense can stay in the top 10, they’re going to be tough to be beat in a seven-game series in April, May and June.
Boston made 22-of-41 3-pointers – the fifth time it has made 20 or more 3s this season and the third consecutive game with at least 20 3s – and hit 14 in the first half.
The Celtics relied on the 3 last season and clobbered opponents, including Dallas in the Finals, with their ability to connect from deep.
They are even more reliant on the 3 this season. They lead the league in 3s made (19.1 per game) and 3s attempted (50.5 per game) and are on pace to set single-season records in both categories. They are also No. 7 in 3-point percentage (37.9%).
Boston has rendered live and die by the 3 meaningless because it has so many players who can make 3s. Six players made at least two 3s against the Cavaliers: Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Al Horford, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday and Payton Pritchard. Sam Hauser and Kristaps Porzingis, who is rehabbing and injury and due to return later this season, are capable of making two more in a game.
Even if one or two players are off, they have enough shotmakers to compensate. The Celtics spread the floor and have capable finishers at the rim. They put immense pressure on opponents.
Much of that pressure begins with Tatum, who has been All-NBA first-team the past three seasons and is part of the early season MVP conversation at 29.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 1.4 steals per game and 46.4% shooting from the field and 39.4% on 3s.
He made 11-of-22 shots against Cleveland and became the first Celtics player to record at least 30 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and six made 3s, according to basketball-reference.com.
Tatum is coming off the strange Paris Olympics experience where he didn’t play in a group stage game or in the semifinal game against Serbia, and struggled with his jump shot. He has been reluctant to say what, if any, extra motivation that experience has provided him. Regardless, his game is as good as ever and possibly better.