East Conf. Finals Game 5 - Cleveland Cavaliers 83-96 Boston Celtics: Celtics' Player Ratings  

Jayson Tatum - 9/10

Jayson Tatum

Stat line: 24 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals, 2 blocks, 7-of-15 from the field

Tatum has been the best rookie in the playoffs so far, and he cemented this status with another memorable performance to give Boston the series lead after they went down in successive games at the Quicken Loans Arena.

The rookie started off proceedings with a Nowitzki-like fadeaway jumper, and his 9-point tally in the first quarter was a large part of why the Celtics held a 13-point lead at the end of the period. Tatum could have done even better at finishing around the rim, however, and that is why we give him a rating of 9 for this game.

It goes without saying that he played stellar defense, as is reflected in his box score stats of 4 steals and 2 blocks. Tatum is a complete player, and once he fills out his frame, he will be a perennial All-Star in this league.