The Boston Celtics survived a scare as they beat the Toronto Raptors last night. After being taken to a Game 7, the Celtics stumbled initially but took over later, to advance to the Conference Finals. Jayson Tatum starred during this win, and he also joined the playoff record books with this performance.

He became the second-youngest player since Kobe Bryant, to have 25+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in a playoff Game 7. Later, while speaking to Ernie Johnson in the post-game interview, he spoke about how much it meant to him to be named alongside his idol.

“That’s great company,” he said. “Everybody knows how much he meant to myself, how much he meant to this world, to the game of basketball. Any time you’re mentioned with somebody like that, it means you’re doing something good. I just try to get better every game. I just try to be the best player on the court every night and that’s the mentality I take every time I step on the floor.”

Can Tatum lead the Celtics to the NBA Finals?

This is the Celtics third appearance in the Conference Finals in four years. In their previous two attempts, they were stopped by LeBron James and the Cavaliers. They may not have to face LeBron again, but they are still in for a tough fight against the Heat.

Led by Jimmy Butler, the Heat has been the most dominant team in the Playoffs so far. They dismantled the Pacers in the first round and sent them home with a sweep. In the second round, they were up against Giannis and the #1 seed Bucks. But they were not spared either, as the Heat beat the Bucks 4-1 to advance to the Conference Finals.

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Tatum has already shown excellent signs of leadership, despite being just 22. The Celtics aren’t as deep as the Heat, and that will be a disadvantage for them. It will also add pressure on Tatum, who will be expected to lead from the front, just like he has been doing so far. Can Tatum and the Celtics withstand the Heat? Or will they get burned?