At just 22 years of age, Boston Celtics young star Jayson Tatum has already figured in three playoff Game 7 matches. The Duke product also has a winning track record so far, going 2-1 in those pressure-packed, do-or-die scenarios.
Following the Celtics' 92-87 Game 7 triumph over the defending champs Toronto Raptors on Friday, Tatum discussed with the lively TNT crew about the amount of playoff experience he accumulated over a short period of time.
“That's my third Game 7. Fortunate enough to win two of those. Everybody doesn't get this opportunity. We don't take it for granted. It's special,” Tatum said post-game, as relayed by Keith Smith of Yahoo Sports.
Jayson Tatum is only in his third year as a pro and is already blessed to have made it to the postseason for the third consecutive time. The Celtics figured in two Game sevens in Tatum's rookie year back in the 2018 playoffs. They survived a scare from the gritty Milwaukee Bucks team in the first round in seven games and made it all the way to the Eastern Conference Finals. They were one win away from conquering the East that year but fell short against the LeBron James-led Cleveland Cavaliers in the winner-take-all affair.
Following Boston's disappointing playoff exit last year, Tatum is grateful for another chance to avenge the 2018 letdown. The 6-foot-8 swingman posted all-around numbers of 29 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and one block in 44 minutes in Friday's close-out game.
Tatum also tackled the grueling slow pace of their close-out game against Toronto. The closing minutes of regulation featured a mud-fight between two of the best teams in the East, as whoever had the advantage defensively ultimately won the game. Fortunately for the C's, they made the right defensive plays down the stretch to seal the W.
“That's what it takes some times. We pride ourselves on playing hard. So does Toronto. It's just about wanting it more and making plays,” Tatum said of his team's valiant effort.
Jayson Tatum and the rest of the boys from Beantown will take on the red-hot Miami Heat next in the conference finals.
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