Jayson Tatum is about to record the most turnovers in NBA playoff history. So What.
Jayson Tatum is a few measly turnovers away from owning the record for most ever in a playoff run. Do you know who he going to surpass? Arguably a top 2 player of all time, Lebron James. Decent company.
SOURCE: In the 2022 postseason, Tatum has been turning the ball over at a historical rate (via Stat Muse). Through 22 playoff games so far, he has already committed 91 turnovers, just three behind James’ record of 94 turnovers in a single playoff run.
I’ve seen this stat floating around the past few days to which I say, good. Sure, Tatum has not had a super star series by any means. His shot has been abysmal causing him to be less confident in the rest of his offensive game. At times he looks lost when trying to penetrate and create out of the double team there is no doubt about it. Again, don’t get me wrong Celtics and turnovers are not a great mix.
SOURCE: When the Celtics have 15 turnovers or fewer in the playoffs, like they did in Game 1 of the NBA Finals, they are 13-2. But when Boston has 16 or more turnovers, like it did in Game 2, it is 0-5.
Tatum, like everyone else is going to have to take care of the ball better. I just don’t see the headline of Tatum holding the record for most turnovers in the playoffs as something that is truly crushing the Celtics hopes. Take into account they have played two 7 game series’ and are in the midst of another 6 gamer at least. That’s a lot of basketball games to have the ball in your hands facing double and triple teams every single possession. Ask Lebron. Or as these guys
MOST TURNOVERS in NBA FINALS HISTORY
Magic Johnson - 30 turnovers. 1980. Lakers won
Steph Curry - 28 turnovers. 2015. Warriors won
Kobe Bryant - 27 turnovers. 2010. Lakers won
So, if history has anything to say about congratulations to Jayson Tatum and the World Champion Boston Celtics.
J.K. No jinx