Highlights:
- Jayson Tatum sits out Celtics-Grizzlies game due to illness
- NBA legend Elgin Baylor no more, entire NBA family mourns
Boston’s search for stability continues, albeit without Jayson Tatum for at least one day. The Celtics’ All-Star player missed the match against the Grizzlies played on Tuesday owing to illness, the team announced before the tipoff.
Tatum has been averaging a career-high of 24.9 points while shooting 38.1% from the 3-point range in his fourth season.
He along with Jaylen Brown have formed one of the most talented young duos in the league.
Having said this, Boston has struggled to build consistency around the pair of promising swingmen. The Celtics have not been more than three games above .500 since this January.
With injuries to Kemba Walker and Marcus Smart, as well as a bout with the deadly COVID-19 for Tatum, have limited the team’s ability to rebound.
Entering the Tuesday’s game, the Celtics (21-21) held just a half-game lead for the sixth and final guaranteed playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Teams placed seventh through 10th will participate in the Play-In Tournament, with the two winners claiming the seventh and eighth seeds.
#NEBHInjuryReport update vs. Memphis:
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) March 23, 2021
Jayson Tatum (illness) – OUT
On Monday (Tuesday IST), the Los Angeles Lakers’ 11-time NBA All-Star, Elgin Bayor, who soared through the 1960s with his high-scoring style of basketball that became the model for the modern player, died on the 22nd of March at the age of 86.
The LA Lakers announced that Baylor died of natural causes in Los Angeles with his wife, Elaine, and daughter Krystal by his side.
Also Read: Interesting Basketball Facts
Elgin Baylor: Forever part of our Lakers Family. pic.twitter.com/zcRhVUSSmx
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) March 22, 2021
Many NBA legends, stars and teams took to it to social media to honour the Hall of Famer.
league. Cookie and I are praying for his wife Elaine, kids, and the entire Baylor family. ?? pic.twitter.com/cRuOdwkaxI
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) March 22, 2021
Losses like the one we suffered today I can’t put into words. Our love to Elaine & the family #RIP Rabbit aka Elgin Baylor. I love you my friend #ElginBaylor pic.twitter.com/qT34sXE05T
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) March 22, 2021
“He’ll be sorely missed in the basketball community.” @TheJetOnTNT, @TurnerSportsEJ and Chuck react to the passing of Elgin Baylor.pic.twitter.com/YQEzzxdJuY
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) March 22, 2021
A statement from Jerry West on the passing of Elgin Baylor. pic.twitter.com/JTczP8ia5I
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) March 22, 2021
Our game lost a pillar today. Rest in Power to the great Elgin Baylor ??
— Chris Paul (@CP3) March 22, 2021
HEAT President Pat Riley has released the following statement on the passing of Elgin Baylor.
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) March 22, 2021
“Besides being one of the greatest players in the history of the game, Elgin Baylor was one of the classiest, most dignified men of integrity I have ever met. He will be missed.”
One of the greatest players to ever come out of Washington, D.C.
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) March 22, 2021
Our thoughts are with Elgin Baylor's family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/PuiVWwg7qP