Jayson Tatum’s unwavering confidence was the difference in Celtics’ OT win vs. Raptors

By Kaley Brown Jayson Tatum missed several makeable shots on Saturday night.

Any of his 12 missed field goals could have been the difference between winning and losing the wild overtime contest against the Raptors.

Despite one of those misses failing to win the Celtics the game as the buzzer blared at the end of regulation, Tatum didnt let that stop him from taking the final shot as the overtime clock hit zero.

He epically missed the mark on what should have been an easy jump shot to win the contest by a score of 116-114 when the clock expired after four quarters.

Just a few minutes later, the ball found Tatum about 30 feet away from the net following a physical five-minute OT frame.

As TD Garden collectively held its breath watching No.

0 take the wildly deep three, Tatums clutch gene resurfaced.

He redeemed himself in picture-perfect fashion, finally securing Bostons win by a score of 126-123.

After the game, Tatum said he was well aware of his field goal percentage before he took his final game-winning shot.

He didnt let it affect his confidence with the ball in his hands, though.

I missed so many shots in the second half, I was bound to make one of them, Tatum said.

(Jaylen Brown) got ran over, I thought they were going to call a foul.

And I had to go make a play.

Tatum, who finished one assist shy of a triple-double (24 points, 11 rebounds, nine assists), could have let the awkward situation crumble his confidence and sent flashbacks of his previously missed game-winning attempt through his brain.

Instead, he doubled down on the trust he has in his abilities on the court.

I got a lot of problems in life confidence has never been one of them, Tatum said.

I work too hard at my craft.

I play too much basketball to ever doubt the next shot.

...

I know what Im capable of.

Jayson Tatum on not losing confidence: I got a lot of problems in life, but confidence has never been one of them.

I work too hard at my craft, I've played too much basketball to ever doubt the next shot.

I know what I'm capable of.

You always believe the next one is going in.

pic.twitter.com/9pT7EEAM3X Head coach Joe Mazzulla was asked how he ensures Tatum doesnt lose his confidence in crucial moments like end-of-overtime buzzer-beater situations.

Mazzulla offered a simple answer, again putting the players physical and mental talent on a pedestal.

I really just remind him of the work that he puts in everyday.

More times than not, more people miss game-winners than they make them, Mazzulla said.

Just having perspective ...

when you dont make it, you gotta be willing to shoot the next one.

He has the work ethic and mental toughness to work through all those things and you just gotta rely on the work ethic that you put in, and he does that.

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