Jayson Tatum's Clutch Performance in NBA Finals Game 5: Why This Could Cement His Legacy
The Boston Celtics are one win away from banner #18 after a heart-stopping 106-99 victory over the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 – and Jayson Tatum’s fourth-quarter heroics deserve a standing ovation. Let’s break down why this game might be remembered as Tatum’s true superstar coming-out party. While Luka Dončić’s 32-point triple-double dominated headlines early, Tatum flipped the script when it mattered most. Down 89-87 with 4:32 left, the Celtics forward scored 11 consecutive points, including back-to-back stepback threes over defensive ace Derrick Jones Jr. But this wasn’t just about shot-making; Tatum’s improved playmaking (7 assists) and defensive rotations on Kyrie Irving showcased his evolving two-way game. Here’s what casual fans might miss: Tatum’s conditioning. Playing 43 minutes in high-altitude Dallas, he closed the game sprinting harder in transition than rookie Dereck Lively II. This offseason work with sprint coaches is paying dividends. My take? If Boston closes this...