Jayson Tatum, the driving force behind the Boston Celtics’ 18th NBA championship, recently revealed the exact moment he knew they’d secure the title. Surprisingly, Jayson Tatum feared Denver more than any other team, believing the Nuggets were their toughest potential opponent. After their dominant Finals performance against the Dallas Mavericks, Tatum’s reflections bring a new perspective to their championship run.
Why Jayson Tatum Feared Denver More Than Dallas in the NBA Finals
The Celtics, led by Tatum and Jaylen Brown, were a force to be reckoned with last season. Under coach Joe Mazzulla’s guidance, they locked down their opponents, holding them to under 100 points in 11 out of 19 games. The team was laser-focused, seeking redemption after their crushing 2022 NBA Finals defeat to the Golden State Warriors.
In a recent interview with Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe, Tatum spilled the beans on when he knew his team would win the championship. “People always ask me, ‘When did you guys know you were going to win it all?’” Tatum shared. “When Minnesota beat Denver, that’s when I knew. Denver was the one team I thought would give us the biggest challenge in the Finals.”
Instead of a showdown with the Denver Nuggets, the Celtics faced the Dallas Mavericks in a much easier Finals series, wrapping it up in five games. Despite some fans suggesting Boston had an easy path, Tatum knows their success was hard-fought. Years of playoff experience and the sting of their 2022 defeat helped shape the team into a champion.
But success has its price. With a new season on the horizon, the Celtics carry a target on their backs. Will their triumph be a one-hit wonder? Coach Mazzulla is not letting them rest on their laurels. As Tatum recalled, “Coach Joe said it best: We’re not defending anything. We’re chasing another championship. It’s a new season. Last year’s gone. We need to get better and push ourselves further.”
The road ahead won’t be easy. Several teams, especially in the Eastern Conference, have loaded up for battle. The New York Knicks added Mikal Bridges, and the Philadelphia 76ers brought in Paul George. The Celtics can’t afford to focus on just one rival; they need to embrace the grind, day in and day out.
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