🏀 Get ready, Celtics fans! Boston's ace forward Jayson Tatum is embracing the heat as he heads into the NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Tatum opened up about the pressure of chasing the Celtics' 18th championship banner—but he's all about enjoying the ride.
\"I mean, you know the answer to that,\" Tatum grinned when asked about the added pressure. \"Of course. We only hang NBA championship banners, right? 17 of them. Some of the greatest players to ever play this game wore this uniform. All of us are honored to follow in their footsteps, the way they paved for us to live out our dream.\"
This marks Tatum's second trip to the NBA Finals, with Game One tipping off at the legendary TD Garden this Thursday. Flashback to 2022, Tatum and the Celtics faced off against the Golden State Warriors but fell short in a 4-2 series. Critics were quick to point out his underperformance, but this time, Tatum is back with a vengeance.
🔥 Over the 2023-24 season, Tatum has been on fire, averaging 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. In the playoffs? He's upped the ante with 26 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game! With five straight All-Star appearances and three consecutive All-NBA First Team selections under his belt, Tatum is poised to make a splash.
\"It's about more than individual stats,\" Tatum added. \"It's about bringing that trophy home to Boston.\"
So, Celtics Nation, are you ready? Let's rally behind Tatum and the squad as they chase glory! 💚🍀
Reference(s):
Celtics forward Jayson Tatum wants to 'enjoy' pressure of NBA Finals
cgtn.com
