Tatum shuts down ‘revenge sport’ narrative after loss to Warriors initially appeared on NBC Sports activities Bay Space
Wednesday night time’s Boston Celtics-Golden State Warriors showdown at TD Backyard was circled on many calendars after the 2024-25 NBA schedule was introduced.
Not solely was it a marquee matchup between two of the NBA’s prime groups, nevertheless it additionally was thought-about a “revenge sport” for Celtics celebrity Jayson Tatum in opposition to Warriors coach Steve Kerr.
Kerr drew the ire of C’s followers when he benched Tatum twice throughout the 2024 Paris Olympics. Tatum had the second-fewest minutes of any participant on Staff USA’s roster.
Whereas he had each cause to make use of that motivation for Wednesday’s sport, Tatum downplayed the drama following Boston’s 118-112 defeat.
“It wasn’t on my thoughts,” Tatum stated. “Simply one other Wednesday. One other sport. One other alternative to return in and attempt to be the most effective participant I might be. One other day to only attempt to get a win.”
The Olympics may need been an afterthought for Tatum, however they have been on the minds of the followers at TD Backyard as they loudly booed Kerr earlier than tip-off. Many hoped Tatum would match that “revenge” power, however the 26-year-old has little interest in placing on a facade for the lots.
“That is a part of this job,” he stated. “That is what I have been coping with my total profession. Folks need me to be louder. Folks need me to be imply or no matter. One factor about Jayson is like, I am all the time going to do what the (expletive) I need to do and strategy issues the way in which I need to strategy and what I really feel is honest to who I’m as an individual.”
Tatum defined how his mentality has modified since he entered the NBA at 19 years previous.
“I imply, excuse my language, however you simply be taught to not give a (expletive),” he stated. “I am very snug in my very own pores and skin. I am snug with the issues I’ve achieved. I do know who I’m and I am snug with making my very own selections the way in which I need to make them and doing issues the way in which I need to.
“Whenever you’re youthful, you are very consumed or involved with pleasing folks that you do not know or issues like that. If I do issues the way in which I need to do it, then I can reside with the lead to each state of affairs. That is the place I am at in my life.”
The five-time NBA All-Star did his half to present Boston an opportunity to win Wednesday night time’s matchup. He ended up with a game-high 32 factors on 10-of-20 capturing, 5 of 10 from 3-point vary, 4 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block. He now has scored at the least 30 factors in 5 of the Celtics’ 9 video games this season.
Tatum and the C’s will take a 7-2 report into Friday night time’s sport in opposition to the Brooklyn Nets. Tip-off for that matchup is about for 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports activities Boston.
