Plays made by Jayson Tatum against the Miami Heat.

In a physically intense game marked by injuries like a dislocated shoulder, a sprained ankle, a twisted knee, and a Flagrant 1 on an arm pull, Jayson Tatum’s skillful playmaking emerged as the decisive factor in a potential playoff preview against the Heat on Sunday.

Tatum, leading the Celtics in scoring with 26 points and ten rebounds, showcased remarkable playmaking by distributing the ball effectively. Despite the defensive challenges posed by the Heat, Tatum emphasized the importance of making the right reads and being strategic in the face of double teams.

According to ESPN’s Cassidy Hubbarth, Tatum recorded an impressive nine assists with just one turnover during the game, contributing significantly to his team’s success. Tatum’s teammates capitalized on his playmaking, converting 9-of-17 passes from him, nearly double his average potential assists per night (8.6). His enhanced point-of-attack playmaking and defensive skills this season have firmly placed him in the MVP conversation.

Facing the Heat’s 1-2-2 zone defense designed to contain Tatum, he demonstrated adept decision-making in choosing when to attack and drawing additional defenders. In one instance, Tatum executed a simple pass to Jrue Holiday, a reliable corner pocket shooter, based on the defensive setup.

Over the past seven games, Tatum has consistently displayed his playmaking abilities, tallying 8, 7, 3, 7, 7, 8, and 9 assists. These assists, while not always spectacular, reflect Tatum’s commitment to making the “right play.” Examples include drawing defenders in a high pick from Al Horford and making a straightforward pass to Sam Hauser for an open three-pointer.

Against smaller defenders like Tyler Herro, Tatum adeptly uses his size advantage to find open teammates. Additionally, he exploits matchups against opponents like Duncan Robinson, patiently waiting for double teams and creating opportunities for his teammates.

Despite Miami’s arsenal of shooters and tenacious defenders, many of them are undersized against Tatum and his teammate Brown. Tatum’s improved playmaking allows him to exploit these mismatches, dismantling the Heat’s defense with precise passing rather than relying solely on his scoring abilities.