As we witnessed the second Game 7 in the 2020 NBA Playoffs, it was the Boston Celtics who held on to clinch the crucial victory. Jayson Tatum was just brilliant on the night, carrying his team to a win against the reigning champions Toronto Raptors. Following the victory, Tatum connected on TNT where he commented on the two unsung heroes in their team. 

Of course, when talking about the Celtics, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are outstanding players. The energy of Kemba Walker adds to their roster talent. However, Daniel Theis, and Marcus Smart have been as important as the other three, in propelling the Celtics to the ECF. 

Tatum spoke about the impact of Theis and Smart after the jubilating Game 7 victory. However, he put forth a significant concern when talking about Daniel Theis! Tatum was unimpressed with how Shaquille O’Neal once pronounced the German’s name. “I saw the other day, Shaq didn’t even know my man Theis’ name.” Tatum expressed. “Thies has been unbelievable for us all season,” he continued.  

Moreover, Tatum moved on to talk about Marcus Smart, one of the best defenders in the association. “Smart is first-team all-defense, the best defender in the league, in my opinion,” Tatum said. “He made the play of this year which is getting that block on [Norman] Powell with 30 some seconds left on the clock.”

Tatum mentioned how Smart can come in and change the dynamics of the game in a series like this. And indeed, Marcus Smart has once again proved his worth on the biggest stage. He made a crucial block in Game 7, which possibly sealed the game for the Celtics. 

Celtics star Jayson Tatum emulates Kobe Bryant in Game 7

Game 7 is so demanding and brings a lot of nerves in an athlete. For players like Jayson Tatum, it just brings out the best version of himself. Tatum is a huge fan of Lakers icon Kobe Bryant, and he matched his idol with a stellar performance in the Celtics’ latest win. 

Tatum stepped up big when it mattered and posted tremendous numbers. He became the second-youngest player after Kobe Bryant to have 25+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in a Game 7.

Moreover, the 22-year-old reflected on what it means to be sitting in the record books, behind his idol, the late Kobe Bryant. “That’s great company,” Tatum 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.” 

Tatum averaged 24.2 points for the Celtics throughout seven games to send his team over the line in the second round of the 2020 NBA Playoffs. This Celtics team looks special, and we might even see them going all the way to the NBA Finals!