Celtics’ Jayson Tatum says this former MVP is ‘top-of-the-line gamers of all time’

The Boston Celtics have gained 14 of their opening 17 video games. Joe Mazzulla’s crew retains discovering methods to grind out wins regardless of some underwhelming performances. On Monday, they are going to face the LA Clippers, who, regardless of some harm points, proceed to have top-of-the-line defenses within the NBA.

Nonetheless, it could seem that Jayson Tatum is extra involved concerning the Clippers offense. When chatting with the media on Sunday, shortly after serving to the Celtics defeat the Minnesota Timberwolves, Tatum pinpointed the specter of James Harden.

“They’ve clearly received some guys out,” Tatum stated. “They misplaced Paul George, and so they have guys which are new to the crew. And, they’ve guys with an even bigger function and extra freedom who usually are not essentially wanting over their shoulders… They’ve nonetheless received James Harden, who is among the greatest gamers of all time. So, you realize, he can go off or lead the crew in assists on any given night time. In order that ought to be a enjoyable one.”

Harden, 35, has been a driving drive for the Clippers this season. He is averaging 20.6 factors, 7.3 rebounds and eight.7 assists whereas capturing 36.7% from the sector and 31.7% from three-point vary. 

Moreover, Boston’s offense has generally struggled to comprise dribble-drive penetration this season. Harden’s capacity to create separation off the bounce and assault area will make him a big risk to Derrick White and Jrue Vacation. 

The Celtics should not have any challenge containing Harden. At 35, he now not possesses the identical first step that made him such an elite risk. He additionally does not have the identical raise on his bounce shot, nor can he cycle via speeds at will. He performs a much more methodical model of basketball, which ought to enable the Celtics to close him down. 

Nonetheless, NBA followers will recognize Tatum paying homage to one of many biggest scorers of this technology. Harden is certainly a big scoring risk on any given night time. Understanding what he brings to the desk is step one in shutting him down.