For Jayson Tatum, he is “the only reason” for which the Celtics returned to the match against the Heat.
The winger talks about Oshae Brissett, who did not come into play against the Knicks in the first game of the season, but who was therefore thrown by Joe Mazzulla in the middle of the first quarter, at -13 ( 26-13) for Miami…
“He didn’t play the first game, and he changed that one” appreciates the Boston coach. “For me, that’s momentum. He came in, he had a huge impact, and he did his job at a very, very high level. »
His job ? Put some energy into defense and wake up a lethargic team on that side of the field.
“What he achieved was as important as what the other guys achieved, and he helped us win. »
“I know I have to go out there and do the dirty work, and all the things that are going to give us energy.”
His stats line in 14 minutes is not the most impressive (2 points to 1/2 on shooting, 5 rebounds, 2 turnovers and +7 on +/-) but his desire, particularly for offensive rebounding, has rubs off on the entire team.
“I know I have to go out there and do the dirty work, and all the things that are going to give us energy.” recognizes the former Pacers. “I like playing like that, involving the audience, that’s me. I’m going to try to do that every night, no matter who we’re playing. But against Miami, it’s necessary because of their identity. »
Enough to attract the praise of Jayson Tatum.
“He was the only reason we got back in the game, and I told him that. He came on when we were a little flat. His energy, his offensive rebounds, the second and third chances he gave us were important. It’s his job. For him, it’s huge to do that when he didn’t play the first game, and to give us that spark to turn the game around. That’s what I like about our team.”
