Celtics

‘His time is now’: Paul Pierce, Eddie House on Jayson Tatum’s path to Banner 18

After Game 1, Tatum became the third NBA player to score more than 2,300 points, grab 750 rebounds, and dish 450 assists through his first 100 playoff games.

Jayson Tatum became the third player to reach 2,300+ points, 750+ rebounds, 450+ assists in their first 100 playoff games. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

By Faith Pinnow

May 8, 2024

Despite a lackluster stretch of shooting throughout Game 1 against the Cavaliers, Jayson Tatum earned his stripes amongst Basketball’s elite Tuesday night.

While he was just 36.8 percent from the field, the Celtics star became the third NBA player to score more than 2,300 points, grab 750 rebounds, and dish 450 assists through his first 100 playoff games.

At just 26-years-old, Tatum joined LeBron James and Celtics legend Larry Bird as one of the most productive postseason players of all time.

Still, Tatum is searching for his first championship. He’s come close several times throughout his seven years in Boston – making it to the conference finals four times and the NBA Finals once – but ultimately has struggled to secure banner 18.

Now, following a dominant 64-18 regular season, each passing game of the postseason breeds higher expectations for this Tatum-led Celtics team.

"His time is now, and he understands the process"

Paul Pierce and Eddie House explain why Jayson Tatum is finally mature enough to win a championship pic.twitter.com/XkrvEDOcX8
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) May 7, 2024

“I feel like his time is now, and he understands the process. He understands the moment, he understands what he has to give the moment,” former Celtic and Naismith Hall of Famer Paul Pierce said following Tuesday night’s matchup.

“The moment” demands more than soaring offensive contributions, however. It requires selflessness and composure, two qualities which Pierce thinks Tatum has strengthened since his last Finals appearance in 2022.

“I’ve seen true growth in Tatum. Last year he went from a guy who averaged 30 to a guy who understands that he doesn’t have to have 30 to win. I see his maturity and he’s more vocal. He’s more of a leader, I feel like,” Pierce said.

On a night when Tatum scored just 18 points on 19 attempts, he proved he could be a key distributor, adding 5 assists and 11 rebounds (two offensive). His ability to read the game and understand his role through each matchup is the secret weapon, Pierce argues.

Pierce’s former teammate, longtime Celtic and sharpshooter Eddie House, agrees.

“That’s the maturation that we’ve seen in Jayson Tatum, that’s why I think this team is so good,” House said. “When you have a selfless superstar, somebody who can go out there and get 30 shots up whenever they want. Some guys are mad that they only took 9, even with a win, they’ll go home and be upset. He’s not upset about that.”

As the Celtics close in on the Eastern Conference Finals and look towards securing Banner 18, they’ll first have to muscle their way through the semifinals against the Cavaliers. Game 2 versus Cleveland tips off Thursday at 7 p.m. at TD Garden.