As is often the case this season, the Raptors did not give up, and as is often the case this season, they lost in the final moments. This time, on a 3-pointer, at the buzzer, Jayson Tatum at the end of the extension. Initially, the system seemed designed for Jaylen Brown, but the Celtics guard was sent to the ground, and Tatum decided to play it personally. He has nothing to lose since there are 123-123, and from almost nine meters, he hits the mark!
“Dude, I missed so many shots in the second half (editor’s note: 7 out of 19 shots…), that I was determined to score one! » he confides after his exploit. “We had a few options on the last possession, and JB ended up on the ground, and I thought they were going to call a foul. I had to do something. »
Weigh on a match by any means possible
If he had made the pass and a teammate had scored, Tatum would have had a triple-double as he finished the game with 24 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists. A complete performance, in line with what he has offered since the start of the season. “Joe (Mazzulla) always challenges me to dominate, no matter how it happens.”Tatum continues. “It can be different from one night to the next. The shots don't always go in, but do you have an impact on the game, on your teammates? That’s what I’m trying to do.”
Even if Tatum is the hero of the evening, it is collectively that the Celtics managed to get out of the Raptors' jaws with five starters at 10 points or more, and 27 points from the bench. “Basketball is a team sport. We wouldn't have won this title last year without each of these players.”insists Tatum. “What we are trying to do this year is even more difficult. We need everyone, every night, every time we call on them. »
Speaking of collective, Tatum concludes by paying tribute to his opponents. Although deprived of Scottie Barnes, Bruce Brown, Kelly Olynyk and Immanuel Quickley, the Raptors were heroic, and they cut up Boston's defense with 76 points scored in the paint. “We know it won't be perfect, and it won't go the way we want it to… But the Raptors don't have superstars, or whatever you want to call it, but they give it their all. They are very well coached. They play together and quickly, and they put a lot of pressure on us. »
