It's safe to say Paul Pierce was impressed with Jayson Tatum's game-winner for the Boston Celtics against the Milwaukee Bucks in opening night, so much so that he even referenced a previous catchphrase he uttered after delivering his own buzzer-beater.
With the Bucks leading 120-119 with only 8.9 seconds left, Tatum took matters into his own hands to bring the Celtics to victory. Even though he was guarded by Giannis Antetokounmpo in the possession, the 22-year-old forward showed his heart of steel and launched a 3-pointer after creating some separation with a side-step.
JAYSON TATUM GAME WINNER OVER GIANNIS 🚨🔥pic.twitter.com/v8BxkwWbuX
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) December 24, 2020
After the game, Paul Pierce couldn't help but react to Jayson Tatum's heroics for the Celtics.
I didn’t call bank I called game #jt0
— Paul Pierce (@paulpierce34) December 24, 2020
For those not in the know, “I called game” is the catchphrase that Pierce got a trademark for. It started in 2015 when he was playing with the Washington Wizards and they were on the playoffs. In Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Atlanta Hawks, the former Celtics star banked the game-winner over multiple defenders.
As he was leaving the floor, ESPN analyst and reporter Chris Broussard asked Pierce if he called bank on that shot. In response, he said “I called game.” He then filed to trademark it and was subsequently granted the right for it.
With that said, it's safe to say Tatum got a pretty special message from a Celtics legend.
The Celtics certainly couldn't wish for a better start, especially since they played without starting point guard Kemba Walker.
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