Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum. Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Jayson Tatum drops epic quote after Celtics' Game 6 win over Sixers

By Jeff Smith | Last updated 5/12/23

Jayson Tatum has officially entered the conversation for the NBA's postgame quote of the year. After the Boston Celtics surrendered a 16-point first-half lead, the Philadelphia 76ers looked primed to run away with Game 6 of their second-round matchup and begin preparing for a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals.

But in the fourth quarter, the switch flipped for Tatum, who had scored just three points in the game prior to that point. Tatum poured in 16 points in the fourth, outscoring the Sixers' entire team (13 points) by himself. This propelled the Celtics to a 95-86 win, which will send the series back to Boston.

After the wild finish, Tatum was asked about his first-half struggles and gave a quote that'll be memorable for years to come.

"I'm ... humbly, one of the best basketball players in the world, go through struggles, go through slumps, it's a long game."

"Humbly, I'm one of the best basketball players in the world.”

- Jayson Tatum. ️

pic.twitter.com/uB8bfX0gar
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) May 12, 2023

Tatum isn't wrong that he's one of the best basketball players in the world, but it's certainly a rarity to hear a player make a statement that's as blunt as this one. Regardless, Tatum's fourth quarter was arguably one of the most impressive of the year, and he certainly earned the right to make these comments, finishing the night with 19 points, nine rebounds, six assists, two steals and two blocks in 43 minutes.

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