Tatum's Free Throws Fuel Celtics' Five-Game Run
Isaiah Thomas says Jayson Tatum could average 28 to 30 points per game if he keeps drawing fouls at his current rate.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Basketball
The Boston Celtics have won five straight games heading into a November 2, 2026 matchup with the Houston Rockets. Jayson Tatum has taken 47 free throws over his last three outings, making 39 of them.
Why it matters
Tatum's rising free-throw volume reflects Boston's new offense built on downhill drives that pressure defenses and draw fouls near the rim. The trend could significantly raise his scoring output if it holds.
Tatum made 39 of 47 free throws across his last three games and is averaging a career-high 10.2 attempts per game this season. The sustainability of that rate over a full season has not been established.
The players
Jayson Tatum
Tatum is a four-time All-NBA First Team selection and the Boston Celtics forward whose free-throw rate is driving the scoring discussion.
Isaiah Thomas
Thomas is a former NBA guard who played for the Boston Celtics and now offers commentary on the team's play.
The details
Isaiah Thomas posted a comment on Instagram about Tatum's free-throw rate, projecting a possible 28 to 30 points per game. Tatum has been pressuring defenses with multiple downhill drives each game, drawing fouls on drives into the paint that threaten the rim.
Timeline
Monday, November 2, 2026: Celtics face the Rockets in Houston on the second night of a back-to-back.
Season Trajectory
Tatum's increased trips to the line are tied to Boston's shift toward downhill drives that pressure defenses from the start of possessions. If the foul-drawing rate holds, it could add meaningful scoring value to the Celtics' winning streak as the season moves forward.
Tatum's free-throw volume matters for fantasy rosters and scoring projections, since each made free throw adds points without a field-goal attempt. Fans tracking his production can watch whether the foul-drawing rate holds against Houston's 6-1 start.
The takeaway
Tatum's scoring rise is tied to a concrete, measurable change in how Boston attacks the rim. Tracking free-throw attempts per game is a useful way to judge whether the offensive shift is sustaining.
What happens next
The Celtics face the Rockets in Houston on Monday, November 2, 2026, the second night of a back-to-back, offering the next measure of Tatum's free-throw trend.
Further reading
For more on the Celtics' season, see Basketball coverage across the league.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
