For the Celtics to win this series, Jayson Tatum must show more mental toughness

If Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals on Tuesday night was any indication, these Celtics still struggle to handle success with care.

The Celtics have demonstrated this season that they’re capable of comebacks and responses when the chips are down…

But the question dogging Tatum…and the Celtics is whether they can deal with the role of the hunted, whether they can display the same resolve, determination, and focus when playing from ahead. The answer in Game 1 was a resounding no.

Tatum is a totem, so you must be concerned about how the Celtics stack up with the Heat in terms of toughness, both physical and mental.

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…in the third-quarter 39-14 Heat avalanche that undid the Celtics, Tatum lost the ball and his composure, committing six of the Celtics’ eight turnovers.

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The Heat got to him and got him off his game. You can’t let them see that level of frustration if you’re Tatum, who shot just 1 for 7 for 8 points in the second half. Psychological warfare was one of the ways Miami upended a more talented Celtics team in the 2020 Eastern Conference finals.

Tonight, Tatum had 10 points in 41’ on 3/14 (1/7) shooting and 6 turnovers.

The hard-knock Heat and their culture represent a mental hurdle that Tatum and the Celtics have to clear.

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…Tatum is no longer anybody’s little brother. Udoka told him earlier this season to stop acting that way.