The Boston Celtics are playing like a team on a mission right now.
Fresh off losing the NBA Finals, Joe Mazzulla’s squad is making sure to make a statement almost every time they’re on the court.
The Celtics want to be back to the ultimate stage, and they sure look like the team to beat out of the Eastern Conference, especially with Jayson Tatum playing at an MVP level.
The skill level Jayson Tatum displays on a nightly basis is so incredible. pic.twitter.com/98B3apswy3
— Hilltop Hoops (@HilltopNBA) December 26, 2022
Tatum had one of his best performances of the season on Christmas day, putting up 41 points with 7 boards, 5 dimes, and 3 steals against the Milwaukee Bucks.
Notably, he claimed to be inspired by the rivals and the context:
“They bring out the best in us. We know they’re a team we’ll see pretty often, and Giannis is, if not the best, one of the best players in the league today,” Tatum said after the game. “I got a lot of respect for him, his accomplishments, and just how he approaches the game. When we’re not playing, I like watching the Bucks play. He’s a big reason why.”
“It’s fun playing on national TV. It’s fun playing on Christmas. Those matchups are fun. You get to play against the other best players, raising your level of play. The competition is exciting, but that’s the game that you live for. The moments, the matchups. If you can’t get up for those games, you’re probably in the wrong profession. In the midst of it, it’s just fun competing on a stage like this,” Tatum concluded.
We’re getting used to watching these kinds of performances from Tatum, who handles himself like a veteran despite being just 24 years old.
And while some still give him a hard time for some bad outings in the playoffs, it’s evident that he’s just scratching the surface of his true potential.
