Don't take this as knocking Tatum - the kid is a truly special player, perhaps an all time great if he keeps it up at this pace. However, he came up short in four critical moments in tonight's game:
1. Misses the potential game winning shot at the end of regulation
2. Fouls Butler for a three point play to put the Heat ahead
3. Get's blocked by Adebayo "in epic fashion" on a game tying attempt in OT
4. Misses the potential game tying heave at the end of overtime
That is a lot of failure in a very short span of time for a guy who rightfully expects and probably prides himself on coming through in these situations
This game may be yet another learning moment for these young Celtics, particularly Tatum. I'm very interested to see how the team and especially Tatum come out in Game 2 - what's the mentality? What you'd like to see is a real thrashing of the Heat, a 10-20 point blow win, end to end.
Coming up short four straight times down the stretch can't sit well with Tatum.