The OKC Thunder and Boston Celtics are shackled with the worst NBA offenses. Still, Boston are loaded with talent and Jayson Tatum represents a challenge as winning will require minimizing his efficient scoring.
On Thursday Night, the OKC Thunder will host the Boston Celtics at Chesapeake Energy Arena seeking their first win of the season after a dismal 0-3 start.
After a non-existent defensive effort versus Sacramento led to 131 points by the Kings in the Thunder’s last outing. This means a lot of questions will be asked prior to tip off versus Boston. Like the OKC Thunder the Celtics star-studded cast has struggled offensively, except one player who is seemingly improving every time he hits the court. That player is Jayson Tatum. who to this point is spearheading Boston’s offense.
The 20-year-old sophomore, Tatum, is coming off an outstanding rookie campaign with an overall improved offensive game. From the early snippet of his first four performances Tatum is looking much more comfortable in the Celtics system this season.
Lets get to who may guard the sophomore sensation, starting from the opening tip.
Jayson Tatum is unbelievablepic.twitter.com/7NfmYZsO80
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 21, 2018
Paul George
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The most likely candidate to take the assignment of guarding Tatum will be Paul George. Across the league PG13 is known for his defensive abilities. However, through three games George has racked up a total of 14 fouls, fouling out one of those games to the LA Clippers, resulting in a decline in both minutes and defensive effectiveness.
Thunder fans are hoping to see a return of the defensive minded George. Moreover, PG13 will need to stay out of foul trouble and do what he does best. Specifically that will mean using his length to disrupt passing lanes and backdoor cuts. Tatum’s offense is built around those premises, so if George is effective in these areas he stands to be a major deterrent to Tatum succeeding.
Patrick Patterson
So far this season Patrick Patterson has received the nod from Billy Donovan as the starting power forward through the first three game. Despite a slow season start, and although he may lack the lateral quickness to stay in front of Tatum he presents a physical frame and a tough low post defense that Tatum will have to think about when he backs down into the paint.
The amount of minutes Patterson gets in this game will be determined on how the Celtics utilize Tatum and whether Patterson can keep Tatum on the perimeter.
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Jerami Grant
Although he may not start, Jerami Grant may see more minutes for OKC on Thursday night as he provides the athleticism, speed and size to match Jayson Tatum. Grant also has the defensive capabilities to force Tatum to drive and kick or throw up wild shots at the rim.
Tatum also loves to work the mid range, whether it’s finding his spots of the dribble or pin downs. Having an athletic Grant may be a good move for Donovan as his long wingspan may force Tatum into taking tough shots.
It will be interesting to see how Billy Donovan uses his rotation of wing players and power forwards in an attempt to slow the newly crowned “Kobe” down.
Check Thunderous Intentions game day preview which breaks down keys to winning and all the game particulars. Tip off is 8.00 pm EST on TNT. After the game TI will have post game grades, Topic: Thunder podcast review and in the morning we’ll serve up top takeaways.