Jayson Tatum wasn't in the mood for jokes, at least not until the post-match press conference. While the Celtics had tried before the match against the Cavaliers to minimize the significance of this meeting, facing the best team at the start of the season starting on historic bases, the Celtics star seemed galvanized by the issue. Boston doesn't care much about records and aims for nothing other than a new ring at the end of the season. So the opportunity to mark their territory and the spirits was too good for Tatum and his teammates.
“JT” couldn't help but smile when at his side Derrick White replied that yes, the Celtics knew that Cleveland was coming with its 15 straight victories. “ We couldn't wait for today » Tatum had admitted a few minutes earlier at the microphone of TNT. “ We lost our last NBA Cup game. And they were the best team in the league. They came here thinking we were the best team, and so were we. We were ready. »
Six new 3-point baskets
Tatum in particular was hot from the start. Hyper complete in the first quarter (8 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals), he increased his temperature even further to lead the Celtics series in the second quarter. time with his three 3-point baskets in four minutes. With a 17-point lead at rest, the same total as Tatum's personal total with a perfect 4/4 from a distance, Boston had plenty to see coming.
But the Cavaliers came back on the attack in the third act, attacking the circle of the reigning champions. “ It's a series sport » summed up Tatum. “ There are a lot of talented teams in the NBA. The players will take their shots and perform great actions. I say it every time, the way you answer it shows how growing and special your team is. » His contribution to the rebound, with 12 catches against the Evan Mobley – Jarrett Allen racket which was oversized compared to the outward-facing game of the Celtics, was particularly valuable.
“Get out of there!” »
And while Cleveland had come back to two lengths just before the end of the period, Tatum was responsible for calming the bleeding, with a big 3-point shot at the siren, after sending Georges Niang to the mat, before to deliver a “ Get out of there! » which said a lot about his motivation. A boss’s response, in short.
And if Jaylen Brown was more visible in the last quarter, Tatum did not hide, still taking the ball to better circulate it after having absorbed part of the opposing defensive pressure. With 33 points (6/10 behind the arc), 12 rebounds and 7 assists, Tatum has already signed his seventh double-double of the season, in 15 outings. The kind of figure in a match like this that could help him strengthen his candidacy in the race for the title of best player at the start of the season.
