Kristaps Porzingis on how Jayson Tatum has changed since Boston Celtics made 2023 trade

Kristaps Porzingis comments on Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum scored 37 points during the Boston Celtics’ Game 4 victory over the Orlando Magic, and also grabbed 14 rebounds.

Teammate Kristaps Porzingis bounced back from a poor 7-point performance in Game 3 to scored 19 in Game 4.

Speaking after the game, Porzingis reflected on the progression he has seen from Jayson Tatum over the past two seasons.

The Celtics traded for Porzingis in June 2023, a prelude to the team winning the NBA Championship in 2024.

Speaking following the latest win in Orlando, Porzingis told Noa Dalzell about what struck him as Tatum sunk a critical late three.

“The three that he hit towards the end of the game, I thought to myself, ‘This guy is special.’

“From when I got here to now, he’s developed even more of a killer instinct.”

Tatum needed the killer instinct to help the Celtics clinch the NBA title over the Mavericks in 2024, and this has served to fuel his confidence.

No longer defined as a nearly-man, Tatum has the belief, and this makes him and even more dangerous opponent in 2025.

Jayson Tatum praises Al Horford

Jayson Tatum is setting a high standard right now, but he credits another Boston Celtics player as key to leading the team.

Tatum told CLNS Boston postgame that he is blown away by what he has seen from veteran teammate Al Horford.

He said: “I can’t say it enough, Al is unbelievable…He’s 38 years old, and he is picking them up full court, doing whatever is asked of him.

“That kind of sets the tone for everybody else. He’s got the heart of a champion.”

Horford played 35 minutes, contributing with a valuable role on defence to help make the task easier for the likes of Tatum and Jaylen Brown.