Jayson Tatum: ‘It’s lazy’ to say teams can beat tough Celtics originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston
There’s no doubt about the talent of the Boston Celtics, but a popular criticism of the team in recent years has been their toughness.
That was especially the case in last year’s Eastern Conference finals loss to the Miami Heat, whose physical play was too much for Boston in the seven-game series. In this year’s first round rematch, however, the Celtics seemed like the toughest team while defeating Miami in five games.
The Heat did their best to shake the C’s, ruining the series. In Game 1, Miami forward Caleb Martin caused a stir with a controversial foul in Jayson Tatum. As Jaylen Brown and others confronted Martin, Tatum appeared back and immediately walked to the other side of the court to make your free throws.
Tatum took another shot in Game 4, a post-whistle foul by Heat big man Bam Adebayo this caused him to fall and twist his ankle. After the game, Tatum ignored the incident as a non-issue.
It’s becoming more apparent with each playoff game that these Celtics are different from years past. After Wednesday emphatic victory in game 5 about Miami, he had a message for those who continue to question his resilience.
“The world we live in is that there must be something wrong with every team. That’s what they like to say,” Tatum said. “You can see how talented we are. I think it’s lazy or easy to say that teams can outperform us. Don’t become tough.
“Everyone has their own definition of toughness. Playing the game the right way, showing up every day to do your job without complaining. I think that’s what being tough is all about.”
These Celtics undoubtedly fit that definition.
Tatum finished the first-round series against Miami with 16 points on 4-of-9 shooting. Derrick White and Jaylen Brown led the way with 25 points each in Game 5.
The Celtics will face either the Orlando Magic or the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals – two matchups that will continue to test their resilience. The Cavs currently lead the series 3-2 and will have a chance to score in Friday’s Game 6.
