The Boston Celtics are through to the Eastern Conference semi-finals after they finished off the Miami Heat in five games, and Jayson Tatum offered a fiery response to those who continue to question the team’s (and his) toughness.
In the postgame press conference following their emphatic Game 5 victory, the Boston Celtics star said that they’re not ducking any opponent and that meeting the Miami Heat this early will only help them as they go deeper in the playoffs.
“I wanted to play Miami in the sense that maybe last year, playing against Atlanta, we might have relaxed a little bit,” Tatum said. “Knowing the history with Miami and how hard they play, how well-coached they are. For a first-round matchup, regardless of the seed, we would have to be ready to play – ready to fight.”
“You can see how talented we are. I think it’s lazy or easy to say that teams can out-tough us. I never understood that. Like, what’s the definition of tough? Having louder guys on your team? That s–t don’t make you tough. Playing the right way, showing up every day to do your job without complaining. I think that’s being tough,” he added.
Boston Celtics await the winner between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic in the next round
The Miami Heat did their best to muck up the series against the Boston Celtics. In Game 1, Miami Heat forward Caleb Martin took a shot at Jayson Tatum by fouling him in the air, causing the 25-year-old forward to fall hard on his back. However, Jayson Tatum got back up as if nothing happened.
In Game 4, Bam Adebayo was called for a flagrant 1 foul when he extended his foot out when Jayson Tatum took a jumper. Jayson Tatum tweaked his ankle, but he shrugged it off after the game.
The Boston Celtics face a tougher challenge ahead against the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Orlando Magic in the second round. The Cleveland Cavaliers are one victory away from the ECSF with a 3-2 series lead.
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