“I saw Top Gun…Tatum needs to be a superstar like Tom Cruise” Kevin Wildes says it has to be Jayson Tatum to come to Celtics’ rescue vs Warriors
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On the latest episode of First Things First, Kevin Wildes encouraged Boston Celtics marquee scorer Jayson Tatum to play like a superstar and carry his team to victory. He urged the charismatic scorer to be the star to be Tom Cruise of recently released “Top Gun: Mavericks” movie.
Even before the tip-off for Game 5 of the 2022 NBA finals series, Kevin Wildes made a strong statement on Jayson Tatum. He asked him to perform extraordinarily to halt the Golden State Warriors’ progress and win the 2022 NBA Finals for his team. Steve Kerr’s Warriors were pushed to the wall in game 3, wherein the Celtics had control over the series. But Stephen Curry just exploded in Game 4 and fends off the Celtics’ challenge for the trophy. His 40+ point performance received high praises from many pundits. On the other hand, Celtics forward Jayson Tatum was criticised for not being able to turn up big for his team.
"Superstars need to rise to the occasion. I saw 'Top Gun,' it was delightful. There's a scene where they're like, 'Who should save the day?' Tom Cruise, he's the superstar! Jayson Tatum is Tom Cruise. You're the guy the flies the plane. Let's go!" — @kevinwildes pic.twitter.com/jEDAKUVLhs
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) June 13, 2022
Though Tatum is playing fundamentally sound games, his performances in the series are not a motivational factor for the team nor has he had an exceptional game to carry the team single-handedly to the victory. Kevin Wildes expects the 26-year-old star to break the shackles and just put up high scoring game to shut the cases.
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics need ro revive against experienced Warriors side
Boston Celtics marquee player Jayson Tatum took a big step this year in his development. He earned his First-Team All-NBA honors and led the Celtics to their first NBA Finals appearance since 2010. The Eastern Conference Finals MVP was phenomenal throughout 18 games in the postseason. But he’s struggled mightily on the biggest stage.
Jayson Tatum is shooting only 34 percent from the floor and a horrific 28 percent on two-point attempts against the 3-time Champion Team. Though defensively Golden State Warriors have better defensive stats than the opponents Tatum had faced in the 2022 playoffs, he has the quality and ability to unlock any defense.
It isn’t the first time Tatum has struggled in the playoffs, but the duration of his struggle is a worrisome sign. Boston Celtics’ roster is very talented, with defensive player of the year Marcus Smart and exquisite supporting star Jaylen Brown on the team. But it’s Jayson Tatum, who has come up as a leader for the Eastern Conference Champions and they will be looking at him again for some encouraging game.
On First Things First Kevin Wildes discussed that on Monday morning ahead of a pivotal Game 5 and said that Tatum needs to rise to the moment. He is indeed the superstar Boston fans believe him to be– much like how Tom Cruise rose to the moment in the new Top Gun movie.
Film producer and Sports enthusiast Kevin supported the Green Side of the Finals and expect Jayson Tatum to be the hero of his team. He said, “Jayson Tatum is in the club superstar. But now that you are in club superstar, turn it up, live it up. While everyone is having ball in the club superstar, Jayson Tatum is ordering Fiji water and sitting in the corner. What are you doing?”
After some criticism over date performances in the finals, Kevin tried to encourage Tatum with some reel-life examples. He compared Tatum’s abilities to Lt. Pete “Maverick” Mitchell of Top Gun Movie, played by Tom Cruise.
Jayson Tatum has 95 turnovers this playoffs, the most by a player in a single postseason ever. pic.twitter.com/2emuJt9tYv
— StatMuse (@statmuse) June 14, 2022
Kevin added, “There is a scene in Top Gun, when it’s like you know who should save the day? Tom Cruise. It’s his time he is the superstar. Jayson Tatum you are the superstar, Tom Cruise for your team. Your are the guy who flies the plane”Tatum has shot 42 percent from the floor this postseason so he’s likely to regress to the mean. He could get some shots falling, particularly in the second half of the game where he is shooting below 30%.
Ironically back in 1986, when Tom Cruise’s “Top Gun” movie was released, the Celtics went on to beat the Rockets and win their 3rd NBA Championship in Larry Bird Era. Also Jayson Tatum and sneaker designer Sierato appear on a special episode of Overtime’s “Trick My Kicks” to design a new shoe ahead of the blockbuster film’s May 27 release. Was that a coincidence? We will have to wait for the series to conclude though.
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Kunal Chawda
(600 Articles Published)