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Former Celtics Teammate Had Words After Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown’s Poor Performances

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated May 9, 2025 3:39 PM ET

The Boston Celtics are in an early hole after dropping the first two games in their conference semifinals matchup against the New York Knicks. Despite deftly handling the Orlando Magic in the first round in just five games, Boston is on its heels because of two road losses and is looking to steady the ship in Game 3, which is scheduled for Saturday.

Just one year removed from winning it all, fans and the media are going after Celtics superstars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. In Game 1, the pair wasn't quite good enough during Boston's 108-105 loss.

Both Tatum and Brown scored 23 points, but they were inconsistent from the floor. They combined for 14-of-43 (33%) and 5-for-25 (20%) on three-pointers.

Not even with them anymore but this C’s discourse is wild. Everyone has a right to an opinion but JT and JB are Superstars. They are able 2 have bad games but we’ve all witnessed them both takeover. Don’t let recent events cloud your eyes from what they’ve done and accomplished.
— Grant Williams (@Grant2Will) May 9, 2025

It would only get worse in Game 2. The duo combined for just 33 points, shooting 13-of-42 (31%) from the field, including 3-for-12 (25%) from three.

As the media dogpiles on Brown and Tatum, a former teammate comes to their defense and dismisses the disparaging comments made about the NBA stars.

Grant Williams, who played with the Celtics from 2019 to 2023, shared his thoughts on social media.

Now with the Charlotte Hornets, the 26-year-old former Celtics teammate put his foot down with his social media post, highlighting how Brown and Tatum are "superstars" and how fans have all been witness to them taking over.

The Celtics will look to get back on track in Game 3, but the next two games are on the road, so the franchise is on the ropes against the Knicks. Boston's home losses to begin the series put them behind the eight ball.

On Friday, Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla noted the team hopes to have Kristaps Porzingis contributing more as he's dealt with an illness that limited his playing time to start the series.

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

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