Celtics: Bill Simmons Calls Jayson Tatum Terrible in Opener
Bill Simmons called Jayson Tatum terrible after the Boston Celtics lost 121-113 to the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday, and the verdict has turned one bad opener into a bigger question about Boston's new era. Tatum scored just 13 points in the loss, while Paul George scored 38 points in his Celtics debut, yet Boston still blew a 22-point lead at Little Caesars Arena.
Bill Simmons said Jayson Tatum was terrible, and the numbers back up the criticism
Bill Simmons did not hold back on his podcast after the Boston Celtics opener. "And this is why you can't overreact after game one. But Jayson Tatum was terrible," Bill Simmons said, pointing to a night when Tatum shot 6-for-23 from the field, missed all seven three-point attempts, attempted only one free throw, and finished with four rebounds.
Tatum did add 11 assists for the Boston Celtics, and Simmons said he liked many of the shots Tatum took. The problem came late, when Detroit Pistons pressure rose and Tatum managed only 2 points on 1-for-10 shooting after halftime, while the Detroit Pistons outscored Boston 71-41 over the remainder of the game and used a 23-0 fourth-quarter run to complete the comeback.
Paul George looked awesome, but Boston still needs a proven second star
The sharpest part of the Bill Simmons argument was not the shooting line. It was the Celtics second star after Jaylen Brown trade question. Simmons said this is a different level of pressure for Tatum because there is not a proven next guy on the Boston Celtics who can show up in Detroit for 25 to 30 points when Tatum struggles.
Paul George was that guy on Tuesday. George made 12 of 21 shots, hit seven three-pointers, and set a franchise record with 38 points in a Celtics debut, a performance Simmons called awesome. But the Boston Celtics still lost, because George's record debut could not cover for Tatum's off night, Detroit's 39-point fourth quarter, and big nights from Cade Cunningham, Duncan Robinson, and Jalen Duren for the Detroit Pistons.
MORE: Celtics: Jayson Tatum Vows to Play Better After Pistons Loss
Can Jayson Tatum bounce back vs Knicks on Friday night?
Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics get an immediate answer on Friday, October 23, when the New York Knicks visit TD Garden for Boston's home opener at 7 p.m. ET. The New York Knicks are the defending NBA champions, coming off their first title since 1973, so TD Garden will give Tatum no soft landing.
As NESN noted, Tatum's 11 assists against the Detroit Pistons show Jayson Tatum can still run the Boston Celtics offense when his shot is not falling. Tatum himself has already vowed to play better after the Pistons loss, and head coach Joe Mazzulla and the Boston Celtics need cleaner possessions so one cold stretch does not become another collapse. One game does not decide a season, but a strong night against the New York Knicks would quiet the terrible-opener talk fast.
Frequently asked questions about Jayson Tatum and Bill Simmons
What did Bill Simmons say about Jayson Tatum?
Bill Simmons said Jayson Tatum was terrible in the Boston Celtics opener against the Detroit Pistons. Simmons pointed to Tatum's 6-for-23 shooting and one free-throw attempt, while also saying he liked many of Tatum's shot choices.
How many points did Jayson Tatum score against the Pistons?
Jayson Tatum scored 13 points against the Detroit Pistons on Tuesday. Tatum added 11 assists and four rebounds, while Paul George led the Boston Celtics with 38 points in the 121-113 loss.
When do the Celtics play the Knicks?
The Boston Celtics host the New York Knicks on Friday, October 23, at 7 p.m. ET at TD Garden. It is Boston's home opener and Tatum's first chance to bounce back after the Detroit Pistons loss.
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