Ahead of Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Jayson Tatum was asked about his favorite Finals moment. The All-Star may be a Boston Celtic, but his favorite ones involve none other than Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant.
Tatum didn't have to think too hard to remember Kobe's 2010 NBA Finals win. Unfortunately for Celtics fans, that win came at the cost of their own team losing, but clearly meant something to JT.
āDefinitely the celebration with Kobe standing on top of the scorer's table after he won his fifth table, throwing up the five. I felt like I won the championship that day,ā said Tatum.
Unfortunately, Celtics fans felt the opposite way at the time.
My absolute fav: 2010 Finals. Game 7. Home crowd. Roller coaster. Got the W. Kobe on the scorer's table #MambaDay pic.twitter.com/Xn6RWxOE3w
ā Alik (@alik_o) April 13, 2016
He quickly followed up with Ron Artest hilariously recalling Kobe dishing out to him in the final minute of that same contest. Artest was hysterical as he was as shocked as anyone that Bryant didn't take the shot himself.
āAnd when Ron Artest told everybody that he passed him the ball and he made that three in Game 7. That was iconic,ā the Celtics star continued.
8 years ago today, Kobe passed Ron Artest the ball š pic.twitter.com/oJMM2QsS8c
ā Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 18, 2018
Jayson Tatum has never been shy about his affinity for the Mamba. He famously wore a purple and gold arm band in Game 7 against the Miami Heat and sent him a 4-word text after securing the victory.
Celtics fans may not be too pleased with those answers, but if Jayson Tatum can be motivated by Kobe Bryant enough to win Boston another ring, all will be forgiven. The 2010 NBA Finals loss could have just been setting up the win 12 years later.
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