Jayson Tatum Is Trending After Decking Donovan Mitchell

Both stars expressed their frustrations with the officials throughout the game, and Tatum showed it with a big hit on Mitchell in the final seconds.

At the 0:14 mark of the fourth quarter, the Cavs were looking for a miracle with Boston up five. As Mitchell made a move to his right, Tatum ran right at him in an attempt to steal the ball but ran directly into the Cleveland star.

Mitchell went flying to the deck while Tatum bounced off of him in the opposite direction. Spida stayed on the ground for some time, holding his mouth, which was later shown to be bleeding following the contact.

It appeared the play warranted a review for a potential flagrant foul, but the officials elected not to take a look, calling just a personal foul on Tatum and giving Mitchell two shots at the line.

Many NBA fans did not like the official's decision not to review the play, while others had their jokes on the big collision, taking to social media to leave their thoughts.

"Jayson Tatum trucks Donovan Mitchell. Mitchell down hurt," one fan said.

"Tatum: lays Mitchell out with a hard unnecessary hit. Refs:"

"Jayson Tatum to Donovan Mitchell:"

"hard foul by Jayson Tatum on Donovan Mitchell"

"Donovan Mitchell very slow to get up. I'm really surprised they haven't reviewed this for a Flagrant on Tatum but they haven't shown a replay in the arena."

"Jayson Tatum makes zero play on the basketball and runs over Mitchell…. Flagrant? Not on Boston."

"Tatum charges Mitchell at full speed leading with his shoulder and they don’t even review it for a flagrant??? That was NOT a basketball play"

With the win, Boston moves to 12-3 on the season and 1-1 in the NBA Cup East Group C, with a point differential of just two, which matters during this in-season tournament. The Celtics sit in second place in their group behind the Atlanta Hawks (2-0). 

Meanwhile, the Cavs drop to 15-1 overall and 1-1 in East Group C, good for third place in the NBA Cup group standings. With Boston's win, they hold the tiebreaker for second, but Cleveland does have a better point differential of 15.