After a record-setting 51 points in Game 7, four-time All-Star Jayson Tatum is looking forward to the Boston Celtics’ Eastern Conference Finals rematch against the Miami Heat.
Last year, the Celtics defeated the Heat to reach the NBA Finals, where they fell to the Warriors. Tatum promised fireworks in their Miami rivalry this week.
“They play and win games. Tatum said it’ll be entertaining and competitive.
“As a competitor you just love the opportunity.”
After the Heat won the conference finals in 2020 before losing the championship series to the Los Angeles Lakers, it will be the third time the two teams have faced in four seasons.
The Heat are the first eighth seeds in over 25 years to reach the conference finals.
Tatum’s Sunday performance—13 rebounds, five assists, and the most points ever in a Game 7—surely chilled South Beach.
“Being in another Game 7, being able to come back home in front of our fans, I was really excited for the moment,” he told reporters.
After overcoming a slow start to Game 6 when the Sixers had them on the ropes, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla lauded Tatum’s athletic skill and mental resolve.
“(Tatum is) just a guy who doesn’t get too high or too low,” Mazzulla added.
“When you play and live like way, I think it works out for him… He’ll persevere with humility.”
Wednesday’s Eastern Conference Finals Game 1 in Boston features the Celtics and Heat.
