Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum dismissed the narrative that his facet is a ‘tremendous crew’ following Thursday’s beautiful blowout loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Recreation 2.
Because the odds-on championship favorites, Boston are probably the most deeply scrutinised crew within the NBA and with such an immense degree of expertise on the roster, losses can create a wild media frenzy.
No doubt, the Celtics have the strongest rotation of gamers within the league – headed by yearly MVP candidate Tatum alongside his All-NBA teammate Jaylen Brown, in addition to former All-Stars Jrue Vacation, Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford.
Moreover, Derrick White was arguably arduous performed by to overlook out on a spot within the All-Star recreation earlier this yr – and this degree of depth carries the unrealistic expectation that Boston ought to dominate each time they step out onto the ground (which they’ve performed for a lot of the season).
Even the best sides through the years have endured some embarrassing defeats and Thursday’s Recreation 2 was precisely that for the 17-time NBA champions, who now discover themselves below severe strain to reply in Recreation 3 on Saturday.
When talking to reporters after the sport, Tatum fought again in opposition to the suggestion that the Celtics are a brilliant crew by arguing that his facet haven’t been recognised as one within the awards ballots.
“I imply, that’s the narrative that you just would possibly see on TV. The concept we’ve got a brilliant crew – it’s twofold, proper? We didn’t have the Coach of the Yr, we didn’t have the MVP, we solely had two All-Stars. You say we’re a brilliant crew however we didn’t get awarded like we’re.
“We all know we acquired an excellent crew. We’re not good. We play the best method most of the time. And we all know we’ve acquired to be higher.”
“We didn’t have MVP, we solely had two All-Stars… You say we’re a brilliant crew, however we didn’t get rewarded like we’re”
Jayson Tatum responds to issues with the Celtics after their Recreation 2 loss. He says the Celtics aren’t good, however he’s assured they’ll reply pic.twitter.com/Ld57FU0WVc
— Celtics on NBC Sports activities Boston (@NBCSCeltics) Might 10, 2024
Porzingis stays on the sidelines with a calf pressure suffered in Recreation 4 in opposition to Miami and Boston are working below the expectation that he won’t be accessible to face Cleveland – as a substitute specializing in a possible return within the Japanese Convention finals.
Fortunately for Boston, it’s a better of seven collection they usually have loads of time to proper their wrongs – simply as they did within the earlier spherical in opposition to the Miami Warmth, the place they dropped Recreation 2 and closed out with three consecutive wins.
