Heat (0-0) at Celtics (0-0) ECF Game #1 5/17/23

[jambr380]

As good as Timelord has been, we're actually -5 with him on the floor.  Interesting.

He was actually pretty rough to start by letting Bam take mid-range jumpers without a hand in his face and he was out during the big run. But I am not complaining about him. Those offensive rebounds when we were struggling early were huge. He really came to play on the offensive side of the ball.

[RJ87]

Tatum really is in that rarefied air of TRUE two-way superstars that plays just as hard on defense as he does on offense. Right up there with GIannis, Kawhi, and Butler for his two-way impact and energy.

There's still a perception of him that claims he only scores and does nothing else. There was a tweet recently that went viral that called him a scorer only and it's sad that casual fans don't see or respect how he competes on both ends.

Dude doesn't want to be load-managed despite injury, he plays hard on defense, he wants to be here, he doesn't wave guns on camera in his off-time. Give me a Jayson Tatum every day, all day.

[Neurotic Guy]

Celtics have been fun to watch of late.
When they come out with energy on defense and push the ball on offense, they are a different team.

I think it boils down to can they turn it on when they want to. And have they learned anything about not letting teams off the hook.  It seems like they should be able to stretch the lead in the third and take this. We’ll see if they start this half with the energy they brought in the 2nd.

[gouki88]

Tatum really is in that rarefied air of TRUE two-way superstars that plays just as hard on defense as he does on offense. Right up there with GIannis, Kawhi, and Butler for his two-way impact and energy.

Tatum, Giannis and Kawhi are all a step above Butler

Agreed. I was meaning more the comprehensive effort on both ends of the court.

Agree there. Relentless effort and athleticism. Kawhi was a special level defender, but Tatum is definitely All-D team calibre in my opinion. Super versatile, and plays amazing team defence.

Let's hope Tatum and Brown take that step and become MJ and Pip

[celticinorlando]

Cannot fall in love with the 3 this half

[SCeltic34]

As good as Timelord has been, we're actually -5 with him on the floor.  Interesting.

If we'd made some open 3's while he was out there he'd be well into the + range

Very true, and ask Gouki pointed out/asked, he probably was on the floor when Lowry went nuclear.  Although the stream I'm watching isn't great.

[Neurotic Guy]

As good as Timelord has been, we're actually -5 with him on the floor.  Interesting.

He was actually pretty rough to start by letting Bam take mid-range jumpers without a hand in his face and he was out during the big run. But I am not complaining about him. Those offensive rebounds when we were struggling early were huge. He really came to play on the offensive side of the ball.

Seemed Heat were getting anywhere they wanted to start the game.

[coco]

JB is trying really hard to lose us this game.
….the guy is a walking turnover

Except he’s scored 11 on 50% shooting, has 5 boards and is +11.  And 2 turnovers.

Yeah, I think it's harsh - he just had a particularly standout turnover given it immediately led to him getting scored on

I am including the unnecessary missed-dunk try (or perhaps it was blocked).  Just need the easy bucket Jalen. Doesn’t have to be a thunderous play. 👌

[johnnygreen]

I like how Tatum is going strong to the hoop, and is no longer flopping or flailing his arms these past two games. I wonder why the sudden change, because I love this version.

[jpotter33]

https://twitter.com/Marc_DAmico/status/1659009404799156224

What type of alley-oop sorcery is this from Marcus Smart?!

That last alley oop from Smart to Timelord was ridiculous. Smart essentially "hook shot" that pass to him.

[Boston Garden Leprechaun]

Fire Joe 

ABSOLUTELY

AFTER WE WIN IT ALL 

[Who]

White's regression to his awful offensive self from last year's playoffs is super frustrating.

Mmm ... he has been disappointing of late.

[tenn_smoothie]

JB is trying really hard to lose us this game.
….the guy is a walking turnover

Except he’s scored 11 on 50% shooting, has 5 boards and is +11.  And 2 turnovers.

Yes, but he cancels out his good plays with just dumb basketball, getting lost on defense, having dunks blocked when a pump fake and power layup would probably get us 3 points, the ball still stops with him too often and then he turns it over by walking or getting stripped on the drive. If he could only clean up the dumb plays.

[jpotter33]

With the extra talent we have and development from the Jays, we do seem to reach an offensive level on these runs that we couldn't get to last year.

Like, it seriously looks like we can get whatever we want offensively, including in the paint, midrange, and three. I don't remember us being like that offensively last year, with us regularly looking like we had to force stuff and settle for contested shots.

[Indocelts]

I like how Tatum is going strong to the hoop, and is no longer flopping or flailing his arms these past two games. I wonder why the sudden change, because I love this version.

The more matured Tatum finally shows up. Keep it up.