NBA Playoffs 2026: A "clutch" Jayson Tatum gives Sixers nightmares

Since bursting into the league, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have played more playoff games than any other NBA player since 2018. That experience once again made a difference in a scenario of maximum demand, this time against the Philadelphia 76ers, in a match filled with tension and rivalry.

The Boston Celtics ended up winning 108-100 in a closely contested game, regaining the series lead in front of an enthusiastic crowd. In this context, Tatum highlighted the uniqueness of the moment after his performance of 25 points, seven assists, and the crucial three-pointer with 27 seconds left.

"I missed being part of moments like this, where the game is so tight," he acknowledged. The forward also explained how he experienced the game's development: "At times, we had moments where things didn't go as expected, and we had to fight to come back and take the lead."

For Tatum, these types of games demand more than talent: "It was one of those games where you have to find the solution. And make decisive plays." He also wanted to highlight the collective contributions: "The rebound [White] got. The steal by [Brown]. [Payton Pritchard] hitting that crucial shot. As a basketball player, being on a team where everyone contributes and makes plays... I just missed being part of moments like this." And he concluded with a clear reflection: "And it was a lot of fun."

A duel of constant blows

The game maintained a high pace and constant equality in the final minutes. While Tatum and Brown led Boston, on the other side, Tyrese Maxey sustained Philadelphia with an impressive performance of 31 points and six assists.

Brown, who also scored 25 points along with seven rebounds, four assists, and three blocks, was key on both ends of the court, participating in several decisive actions in the final stretch. However, in that constant exchange of blows, it was the Celtics who managed to tip the balance due to their ability to generate second chances.

Offensive rebound makes the difference

One of the keys of the game was Boston's dominance in offensive rebounds, creating extra possessions at crucial moments. 76ers' coach, Nick Nurse, directly pointed out that factor after the game: "I think they scored four or five three-pointers after offensive rebounds, so it's doubly bad."

The coach didn't hide his frustration: "It's a battle." And he added: "We knew it was a key factor, probably the most important, at the start of the series, and we probably didn't do enough."

Faith in the outside shot

Boston's strategy didn't change despite previous difficulties from beyond the arc. After a second subdued performance in three-point shots, the team persisted without hesitation, shooting 20 out of 47 from the three-point line, a figure that reflects their offensive identity under Joe Mazzulla's guidance.

Tatum's final three-pointer unleashed euphoria in the arena and confirmed his progression after months of recovery, which Brown also appreciated: "He has been progressively getting better, strengthening, and improving his physical condition." Additionally, he emphasized the team's collective mentality: "But we do it as a team. We win as a team and lose as a team. So, in those moments, I just trust Jayson Tatum."

The shooting guard concluded with an idea that summarizes the team's journey: "Ultimately, we've been through this before, so we just have to make decisive plays."