The Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Clippers required two extra periods on Thursday to determine the winner of what was a truly tremendous affair. It was Boston that finally emerged with a 141-133 victory in the epic showdown, with Celtics rising All-Star forward Jayson Tatum leading the way for his squad with a game-high 39 points (14-of-23 from the field, 6-of-10 from the line), five triples, nine rebounds, an assist, and a block in 48 minutes of action.
Following his team's impressive win, Tatum spoke about one particular play in overtime that got him fired up.
“I did get a little excited,” Tatum responded when asked about his animated celebration following his go-ahead lay-up deep in the first overtime period, via ESPN. “I try to be as calm as I can and try to keep a poker face and move on to the next play. But basketball is a game of emotions and the crowd was into it.”
This game in particular had a lot riding on it, with the C's facing off against one of the top contenders for this year's title in the Clippers. Boston was also playing at home, in front of an adoring home crowd, so Tatum's reaction is absolutely understandable. For the record, all he did was let out a huge roar while flexing his arms, so it's not like he went overboard or anything.
Tatum has been playing at an elite level for Boston this season, averaging 22.4 points (on 44.3 percent shooting), 6.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.9 blocks, while also connecting on 2.6 triples per game on a 38.2-percent clip.
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