Jayson Tatum about his underwhelming performance: 'It's unacceptable' / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: USA TODAY Sports, AFP - Scanpix Credit USA TODAY Sports, AFP - Scanpix

Jayson Tatum left the game due to a should injury in the fourth quarter of Game 3 of the NBA Eastern Conference Final against the Miami Heat. Although he later came back, the second half was underwhelming for the star forward.

Player of the Game EFF 41 Bam Adebayo Points 31 Accuracy 15-22 Rebounds 10 Assists 6

"My neck got caught in a weird position," Tatum explained after the game. "Obviously, I went down and felt some pain and discomfort in my neck and down my arm. Went into the back, got it checked on, and started to gain some feeling back, got it checked by the doctors, ran some tests, and decided to give it a go."

Tatum shot only 3-for-14 from the court in Game 3 with 1-for-7 from three-point range. Although played 41 minutes, the forward scored only 2 points in the second half.

"They played well from the beginning. 6 turnovers and no field goals in the second half - that is unacceptable," Tatum explained. "I have to play better. I feel I left the guys hanging tonight. That's on me, I acknowledge that, it's a tough one."

Boston Celtics dominated in Game 2 but went down early in Game 3 and ultimately never eliminated the deficit they put themselves into during the first quarter.

"I wish we would've, honestly, especially the first game back at home," Tatum talked about not coming out with the same energy as in Game 2. "There's no excuse. You can't allow 39-some points in the first quarter. We were just trying to overcome that the rest of the game. We have to be better starting the game for sure."

The Heat currently lead the series 2-1. Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Final is scheduled to take place on Monday in TD Garden in Boston.

Full Jayson Tatum's press conference:

Like what we are doing? You can express your gratitude here.