Celtics’ Jayson Tatum on Game 3 loss to Hawks: ‘This one tonight is on me’

ATLANTA — While the Celtics had plenty of chances down the stretch of Game 3, they couldn’t find either the tying or go-ahead shot. The Hawks also get credit as the C’s fell 130-122 on Friday at State Farm Arena. Atlanta made tough shots in the final minutes as Boston wasn’t able to overcome that hump.

Jayson Tatum took the blame after the game Friday as the Celtics’ leader. Tatum put together a strong start in the first quarter as he put pressure on the Hawks. But down the stretch, missed shots and miscues piled up as he couldn’t will the C’s to a victory.

“I have to play better, I think,” Tatum said. “I had some timely turnovers, especially some reads at the rim. Maybe try and get fouled where I have to do a better job of making the decisions in some of those moments just in timely situations. So this one tonight is on me.”

Tatum finished with 29 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. He got back to the free throw line a healthy amount, going 7-for-9 after drawing fouls. But he shot 9-for-22 from the floor. After the first quarter, Tatum put up 18 points, but on 5-for-14 shooting along with his four total turnovers.

Of course, the Celtics had other deficiencies that led to the loss. They gave up 74 points in the first half as the Hawks were knocking down shots. Part of it was Atlanta’s role players getting hot, but the Hawks also had plenty of open looks as the Celtics’ defense wasn’t up to par like it was in Games 1 and 2.

“I know I get a lot of credit when we win, and I have to take the blame when we lose,” Tatum said. “Rightfully so, and gotta play better. Gotta make some better decisions in some of those moments. I will.”

The Celtics will ready themselves for Game 4, which is set for 7 p.m. Sunday at State Farm Arena. It’s a crucial game where the winner will have momentum going forward. Boston still holds the 2-1 first-round series lead as it’ll look to put some pressure on Atlanta next game.

“I didn’t think we were gonna win every game in the playoffs,” Tatum said. “They played well tonight. We come back, get some rest, watch film, learn from it, and I’m extremely motivated and confident that we’re going to play better next game.”

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