Celtics
“I thought we would be playing Denver in the Finals, and it was going to be an exciting matchup.”
Jayson Tatum believed the Celtics would meet the Nuggets in the 2024 NBA Finals. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
As the 2024 NBA playoffs commenced, many experts expected that the Celtics would go head-to-head with the Nuggets in the Finals.
Jayson Tatum was included in that expectation. The Celtics’ standout felt that in order to claim the NBA championship, they would need to overcome Denver, acknowledging that the reigning champions posed the biggest challenge in the playoffs.
“People often ask me, when did you realize you were going to win a championship?” Tatum recently shared with a group of parents and children at the Maynard Fine Arts Theatre, as reported by The Boston Globe‘s Gary Washburn. “Once Minnesota defeated Denver, I sensed that Denver was
“They were the only team that matched up well against us. I anticipated a Finals matchup with Denver, and I thought it would be an exciting series.”
Tatum had valid reasons to believe that the Nuggets would reach the Finals. Denver concluded the regular season with an impressive 57-25 record, securing the second-best standing in the Western Conference. Additionally, Nikola Jokic claimed his third MVP award in four seasons, posting averages of 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and nine assists per game, solidifying his status as the league’s top player.
Tatum also had reasons to consider the Nuggets the most significant threat to the Celtics’ championship aspirations. Boston failed to defeat Denver during its 64-win regular season. The Nuggets triumphed in their matchup on January 19 in Boston, winning 102-100. Seven weeks later, they once again bested the Celtics, this time 115-109, in Denver.
Tatum encountered shooting difficulties in both contests as well. He recorded 22 points on 9-of-24 shooting during the January 19 loss, missing a potential game-tying shot at the buzzer. In the loss in Denver, he managed just 15 points on 5-of-13 shooting and failed to convert a crucial shot that would have given the Celtics the lead in the final minute, all while Boston was down by 11 points with under five minutes remaining.
Consequently, when the Timberwolves eliminated the Nuggets in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals, some speculated that the Celtics were now favorites for the title. While Tatum implied he shared that sentiment, it was before Game 5 of the NBA Finals when he became convinced that the Celtics were destined to win it all.
“When we were in Dallas and took a 3-0 lead, it felt incredible. No team has ever come back from being down 0-3, so I distinctly remember returning to the locker room and saying, ‘I don’t know which game it’ll be, but we’re winning the championship,’” Tatum recalled. “It was an odd feeling. I struggled to sleep that night, and on the morning of Game 4, during shootaround, I found myself in a position where if we won that night, we’d be champions.”
“During shootaround, everyone was trying to appear calm. I couldn’t even nap. We ended up losing by about 30 points. Our desire to win was so intense that we became anxious and tight. Yet, I was sure that once we returned home for Game 5, victory would be ours.”
The Game 4 defeat to the Mavericks was even more severe than Tatum described. The Celtics suffered a loss by 38 points, marking it as the third-largest margin in NBA Finals history. They faced a deficit of as many as 48 points, raising concerns for the Celtics.
Nevertheless, Tatum and the Celtics rose to the occasion in Game 5. He led the team with a game-high 31 points, along with 11 rebounds and eight assists, propelling Boston to a 106-88 victory to clinch the title.
As the Celtics gear up for the upcoming season, Tatum does not anticipate a Finals clash with the Nuggets in 2025. In a recent segment on “The Tonight Show,” Tatum forecasted a rematch in the Finals this year.
The Mavericks bolstered their roster by adding Klay Thompson in free agency. Meanwhile, the Nuggets faced a setback with the departure of starting shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, prompting some to question Denver’s potential for a deep playoff run in 2024-25.
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Jayson Tatum Reflects on Celtics’ Journey: Thoughts on Facing Nuggets in the NBA Finals
The Celtics’ Road to the Finals
Jayson Tatum has been a pivotal figure in the Boston Celtics’ 2023 playoff journey, showcasing immense talent and leadership. The Celtics faced various challenges, including tough competition from teams in the Eastern Conference. Tatum’s reflections on this journey highlight the resilience and determination that have defined the Celtics this season.
Key Moments in the Playoffs
- First Round Victory: The Celtics swept the Charlotte Hornets, establishing their dominance early in the playoffs.
- Epic Seven-Game Series: A thrilling showdown against the Milwaukee Bucks pushed the Celtics to their limits, showcasing Tatum’s clutch performances.
- Eastern Conference Finals: The Celtics overcame the Miami Heat in another tightly contested series, with Tatum delivering standout performances.
Tatum’s Insights on Team Dynamics
In reflecting on the journey, Tatum emphasized the importance of teamwork and chemistry. He recognized that it takes more than individual talent to succeed in the playoffs. Here are some of his key insights:
Building Strong Team Chemistry
- Communication: Open lines of communication among players are essential for success.
- Trust: Trusting each other’s abilities fosters a supportive environment on the court.
- Adaptability: The ability to adapt during games has been crucial in overcoming opponents’ strategies.
Facing the Denver Nuggets: A Style Clash
As the Celtics prepare to face the Denver Nuggets in the NBA Finals, Tatum acknowledges the unique challenges posed by Denver’s style of play. The Nuggets, led by their superstar Nikola Jokić, present a formidable challenge with their skillful passing and versatility.
Nuggets’ Key Strengths
- Ball Movement: The Nuggets excel at sharing the ball, which creates open shots for their shooters.
- Jokić’s Versatility: As a center with exceptional playmaking skills, Jokić can score, assist, and rebound effectively.
- Depth of Talent: The Nuggets boast a deep roster, making it difficult for any team to match up effectively.
Strategic Adjustments for the Celtics
To secure the championship, the Celtics will need to implement effective strategies that counteract the Nuggets’ strengths. Below are some suggested approaches:
Defensive Strategies
- Switching Defense: Employing a switching defense can help mitigate the Nuggets’ ball movement and prevent open shots.
- Limiting Jokić’s Impact: Double-teaming Jokić can disrupt his playmaking, forcing him to pass to less-skilled teammates.
- Rebounding Efforts: Focusing on defensive rebounding will limit the Nuggets’ second-chance points.
Offensive Strategies
- Utilizing Pick-and-Roll: Tatum and Brown can exploit Denver’s defense using the pick-and-roll to create mismatches.
- Fast Break Opportunities: Capitalizing on fast breaks can help the Celtics score easy points before the Nuggets set up their defense.
- Spread the Floor: Spacing the floor effectively can create driving lanes for Tatum and others.
Case Study: Their Previous Encounter
In the regular season, the Celtics faced the Nuggets twice, each game offering insights into their potential Finals matchup. Here’s a brief overview:
| Game | Location | Celtics Score | Nuggets Score | Top Performer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Boston | 114 | 107 | Jayson Tatum – 30 points |
| 2 | Denver | 98 | 110 | Nikola Jokić – 29 points |
First-Hand Experience: Tatum’s Playoff Journey
Jayson Tatum’s journey through the playoffs has been filled with learning and growth. During a recent press conference, he shared insights into what this experience means to him:
Growth as a Player
Tatum highlighted how the pressures of the playoffs have allowed him to mature as a player.
- Handling Pressure: Each game teaches him how to perform under pressure, essential for any playoff environment.
- Leadership Skills: Tatum is learning to lead by example, showing younger teammates how to navigate critical moments.
- Defensive Awareness: He has improved his defensive skills significantly, recognizing the importance of stopping key scorers.
Personal Reflections
Reflecting on the journey, Tatum expressed gratitude for his teammates, coaches, and the unwavering support from Celtics fans. He feels a collective responsibility to bring the championship back to Boston.
Benefits of the Celtics’ Team Approach
The Celtics’ approach to teamwork and collective effort has several benefits, which can be crucial in their quest for the championship:
- Enhanced Performance: A united team often outperforms individually talented players.
- Resilience: Strong team bonds help players bounce back from setbacks.
- Shared Experience: Every player contributes to a shared goal, fostering a sense of camaraderie.
Practical Tips for Celtics Fans
As the Finals approach, Celtics fans can enhance their experience by:
- Engaging on Social Media: Follow team updates and share your support using official hashtags.
- Game Day Rituals: Create fun traditions or rituals on game days to boost team morale.
- Viewing Parties: Organize or attend viewing parties with fellow fans to celebrate every game together.
Final Thoughts from Tatum
In his closing remarks, Tatum emphasized that winning the championship is not just about individual accolades, but rather about creating lasting memories with his teammates and the Boston community.
