The Two Jay’s
Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum have been phenomenal so far this season to say the least. Jaylen Brown has taken a leap that no one truly expected. Being inserted into the starting line up did not really make sense to many but Brad Stevens obviously knew what he was doing.
Brown, is averaging 14.8 points per game on a 44 percent clip and shooting 38 percent from 3. He also adds 6.8 rebounds which the Celtics have so badly needed in past seasons. Not to put complete emphasis onto his offensive game but his defensive game does not fall behind in which he is a tenacious defender.
Jaylen has complete confidence in himself to take shots even if they are not smart all the time. Against the Knicks you notice that confidence in nearly every shot he takes and when he draws fouls. Specifically, notice the second play in the highlight tape where he forces the turnover and turns it into fast break dunk. There he was able to anticipate the pass and show the tenacious part of his defense in which he was rewarded with the easy two points.
The other Jay who is not overshadowed in the slightest bit is Jayson Tatum. When watching Tatum’s game you would not suspect that he is a rookie with unbelievable shot selection and making shots at an elite level. So far this season, his averages are 13.9 points per game while shooting 50 percent from the field, but what is more amazing is that he shoots 52 percent FROM 3, currently the sixth best in the league. He too brings the tenacity on defense playing extremely well on ball and is able to switch with ease. He too is able to get boards averaging six a game.
Do not ignore his inside game either he is able to draw fouls and is a complete threat from everywhere on the floor. In his game against the Heat he continuously drew fouls but also was strong from shooting open jumpers and semi contested 3’s.
Notice in the second and third plays in the highlight tape showing off his ability to recognize a mismatch with Tyler Johnson which lead to a easy score and the tip in on the ensuing play easily boxing out Josh Richardson. As the year goes on and he settles into the league expect his play inside the paint to rise.