Kendrick Perkins seems to have cracked the code for the Celtics’ loss. Jayson Tatum and his Celtics squad faced a disappointing 118-94 defeat against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This was quite unexpected, considering the Celtics’ impressive collective efforts in their previous games. Regarding the Celtics’ unexpected defeat, ESPN analyst Perkins shared his insights calling out Tatum for his one wrong move.

He highlighted Tatum’s lack of competitiveness going into Game 2 just like the time back during the loss against the Miami Heat. The Celtics were able to recover from that by beating the Heat by 118-84 in Game 5 and stepping into the Eastern Semifinals.  However, they made the same mistake again.

Perkins further added that the teams need a high level of performance by the 5x NBA All-Star. “It’s the same old story they just keep finding up three-point shots you go eight for 35 at what point do you stop and say you know what let’s figure something else out we have two of the most athletic Wings in the league Elite offensive players. Are we going to attack the paint and put pressure on their defense and get to the free throw line they didn’t do that,” Perkins said speaking of Celtics’ loss against Heat and Cavaliers.

Perkins also highlighted their opponents’ high level of aggression and competitiveness and stated that this level of performance might pose a threat to the Celtics. Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley’s game proves the analyst’s point valid enough. 

Jaylen Brown admits two big mistakes in the clash against the Cleveland Cavaliers 

This similar pattern was noticed in the Celtics’ first-round series against the Miami Heat. While the former were strong in Game 1, they were handed a defeat in Game 2 due to poor defense. Except for this one loss, Tatum and his team enjoyed a greatly successful postseason. 

Speaking of the same mistakes in the latest Game 2, Celtics star Jaylen Brown said, “That’s the key. I think defensively, that’s the key. And rebounding… Those are two things that we didn’t do tonight… We didn’t rebound, and we also didn’t defend at a high enough level.” 

While the Celtics suffered in the absence of Kristaps Porzingis who was sidelined for a calf injury, Mobley’s game led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a win. On the other hand, the Cavaliers had Mitchell who dominated the rebounding in the game.

As Perkins suggested, Tatum must elevate his game, and when the team stops repeating the same mistakes, the Celtics will have a greater chance to win. Moreover, the team’s previous wins against their opponents have also significantly raised the fans’ hopes. Do you think Tatum will be able to turn the tables once again?