USA Today via Reuters
Jan 6, 2022; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after making a basket against the New York Knicks during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 6, 2022; New York, New York, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts after making a basket against the New York Knicks during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
On Sunday night, Jayson Tatum gave an outstanding performance as the NBA finals approached. For the Boston Celtics, it was their first win in a road Game 7 since 1974. As the match went well, the 24-year-old scored 26 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists on his team’s scoreboard.?
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It was not only his performance that drew people in but also his band that he carried throughout the game. He wore a purple 24 armband as a tribute to Kobe Bryant during the game. It’s no secret that the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers are fierce rivals.?
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In 2010, the Lakers were the last team the Celtics faced in the NBA Finals. As in that game, the Celtics lost to the Lakers, and Bryant was named MVP. There aren’t many Lakers fans among Celtics supporters.
Some players from this team consider Bryant as their idol, even though Celtics fans have not liked him. Tatum has called Bryant his favorite a number of times and among the players, he gets inspired.
Jayson Tatum wearing a Kobe 24 armband in Game 7 💜💛 pic.twitter.com/en4nIjbKAQ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 30, 2022
Tatum and Bryant have even worked out together in numerous instances before Bryant’s death. Additionally, he wore Bryant’s jersey during the 75th-anniversary celebration of the NBA.
Jayson Tatum talked about paying homage to his ideal Kobe Bryant
In an interview, he mentioned his love for Bryant, and how much he gets inspired by him, with regards to his Game 7 performance and the band he wore. According to him: ?Game 7. Everybody knows how much he means to me.”
Tatum said of Bryant to ESPN’s Lisa Salters. ?My idol and my favorite player. Just to have something to show him in the biggest game of my career so far. It worked out.?
Getty
Paul Pierce (R) of the Boston Celtics moves the ball away from Kobe Bryant (L) of the Los Angeles Lakers during the Game 3 of the 2008 NBA Finals in Los Angeles, California, June 10, 2008. Bryant scored 36 points and the Los Angeles Lakers held off Boston to defeat the Celtics 87-81, pulling within two games to one in the National Basketball Association Finals. AFP PHOTO / GABRIEL BOUYS (Photo credit should read GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP via Getty Images)
In addition, Tatum discussed: ?It?s our fourth time in the conference finals. I couldn?t be prouder of these guys. The road we took to get here, not a lot of people believed in us.?
During Heat vs Celtics, NBA fans go head over heels during Tatum’s Bryant tribute. Several people have mentioned tweeting: “Tatum is spiritually a laker”. On social media, fans are reacting wildly to this tribute.
Tatum is spiritually a laker if we’re being honest https://t.co/VW93Yhmzmo
— dustin al gaib (@Dustiveli) May 30, 2022
— ᴘᴅ (@1of1pd) May 30, 2022
Nooooo!!! Why?!!!! Lakers fans are supposed to hate the Celtics! https://t.co/VwP6x53v5v
— Kelly just traded me (@MJJBayBay) May 30, 2022
He wants to play for the Lakers so bad lmaooooo. https://t.co/YZn8gcGg2f
— K (@kVelic_) May 30, 2022
https://twitter.com/queenbdot_/status/1531114976261201921?s=20&t=DlM7OzipHuH6uSVF9q4m8w
Young Kobe https://t.co/wyG1Zsqstx
— Ace (@On1yShaad) May 30, 2022
That energy is wild! https://t.co/0q2LAJjSgC
— 6 I X (@jcruuise) May 30, 2022
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The armband certainly has been a lucky charm for him. Bryant’s legacy has always been followed by Tatum. Please let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Written by
Edited by
Veer Badani