Jayson Tatum returns to the NBA Finals with a different perspective than when the Celtics reached this stage two years ago. It's a part of a maturation that has Boston better suited to capture the Larry O'Brien Trophy than in 2022.
Jayson Tatum sat on the Boston Celtics bench alone, distraught with a towel over his head as the Celtics were about to fall in Game 6 of the 2022 NBA Finals. The superstar did not perform up to standard, with the Celtics losing in a learning curve to the experienced Golden State Warriors.
Two years later with much more battles and reps under his belt along with his growth and improvement, Tatum is motivated for his second chance to prove himself on the game’s biggest stage. “I would say part of my motivation is I just love to win,” Tatum said. “Understanding the moment that I know how hard it is to get to the Finals. You think that you're young, if you've been once, you'll continue to keep going. We realized that last year. We kind of took it for granted at certain moments. We didn't make it to the Finals. This year, put things in perspective. I think you can see in our excitement when we won the conference.
The way last season ended in the East Finals is a primary fuel added to the fire of the new-look Celtics and their title quest. Tatum has averaged 29.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 6.4 assists in his last eight games. “I think right now just staying present in the moment. I'm not thinking about what it would mean for my legacy or anything like that. Just excited to play some basketball after this long break and go out there and try to get the job done.”Kristaps Porzingis Details Mental Side of Rehab as He Readies for NBA Finals ReturnCeltics-Mavericks NBA Finals Has Kyrie Irving Between Boston and Banner 18
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Former NBA Player Issues Warning to Jayson Tatum Before NBA FinalsThere is a lot of pressure on Tatum and the Boston Celtics
Read more »
Jayson Tatum admits to NBA Finals pressure, wants to 'enjoy it'Since the start of the 2017 playoffs, Boston has played in more playoff games (126) than any other team in NBA history without winning a championship.
Read more »
Celtics stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown make most of second chance in NBA Finals'The Jays' possess similar skill sets and are key to the success of a Celtics team reaching the NBA Finals for the second time in three seasons.
Read more »
NBA Finals MVP odds: Where Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, Kyrie Irving standThe NBA Finals are set, and some of the biggest names in basketball will be competing for the series MVP award.
Read more »
Celtics' Jayson Tatum views return to NBA Finals as 'second chance'After coming up short in his first trip to the NBA Finals two years ago, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum said Saturday that he views this return to the league's championship round as a 'second chance' at achieving his ultimate goal as a player.
Read more »
Jayson Tatum's Honest Quote About Kyrie Irving Before NBA FinalsJayson Tatum spoke about Kyrie Irving before the Boston Celtics play the Dallas Mavericks.
Read more »