Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Sends Emotional Joe Mazzulla Message

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ayomide Adeduyite | Last updated Apr 29, 2025 9:03 PM ET

The Boston Celtics are one win away from advancing to the second round of the NBA Playoffs, holding a 3-1 lead over the Orlando Magic in what has been a hard-fought, physical series.

Jayson Tatum has once again led the way. After missing Game 2 due to a wrist injury, he returned in Game 3's loss, contributing 36 points, and followed that with a dominant 37-point, 14-rebound performance in Game 4 to push the Celtics within reach of the next round.

Tatum has long been the face of the Celtics' franchise since being drafted third overall by Boston in 2017.

Tatum is a six-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA First Team selection, and played a key role in leading the Celtics to the 2024 NBA Championship. This season, he averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists across 72 games, helping Boston secure the No. 2 seed in the East.

Behind the scenes, head coach Joe Mazzulla has drawn praise for the culture he’s built since taking over in 2022. Known for his intensity and unorthodox style, Mazzulla has also built close relationships with his players—something Tatum acknowledged during a recent interview with GQ Sports.

“He always tells me that he loves me,” Tatum revealed. “It’ll be the third quarter of a playoff game and he’ll just say, ‘Just want you to know I love you, man.’”

Jayson Tatum on Joe Mazzulla

(Via @GQSports) pic.twitter.com/kHiQ2lOv1H
— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzell) April 28, 2025

It’s the kind of moment that reflects the trust and bond within this Celtics group—one that has them positioned as favorites to repeat as NBA champions.

Boston will now look to close the series in Game 5 at TD Garden and continue their postseason run behind their All-NBA star and a coach players clearly believe in.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: