After losing Game 2 of the Eastern Conference NBA Playoffs' first round to a Jimmy Butler-less Miami Heat, questions were raised regarding the toughness of the Boston Celtics--a team that made the best record during the regular season at 64-18.
The Celtics did bounce back and took the lead in Game 3 and Jayson Tatum reflected on their identity.
"Everyone knows how talented we are--can we be the tougher, harder playing team. Combined that with our talent, it’s going to be hard to beat us. Can we start every game punching first?"
Jayson Tatum on the Celtics identity this playoffs:
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzellNBA) April 28, 2024
“Everyone knows how talented we are — can we be the tougher, harder playing team. Combined that with our talent, it’s going to be hard to beat us. Can we start every game punching first?" pic.twitter.com/ILH23EuncP
The Cs did show what they got, forcing the Heat to score below 90 points from Games 3 to 5 to finally finish the first round series.
[ALSO READ: White pushes Porzingis-less Celtics past Heat to East semifinals]
Coach Joe Mazzulla said he liked the team's aggressiveness after their Game 2 loss.
"Just the consistency, the physicality. Thought we played with real speed," he said in the postgame press conference. "Liked the intentionality of how we played on both ends."
Tatum, who made 16 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and one block in Game 5, reflected on what changed for the Celtics.
"I think just being honest with ourselves," he said as reporters brought up his post-Game 3 remarks. "Why don't we flip the script and be the tougher team? Why don't we crash the glass more, why don't we pick up the pressure on defense while being the talented team that we are? Be tougher."
Asked on his thoughts on how other teams view Boston's toughness, Tatum also got honest.
"The world we live in, there's gotta be something wrong with every team. That's what they like to say... It's easy to say teams are tougher than us. I never understood that. What's the definition of toughness? Having the louder guys on your team? That s*** don't make you tough," he pondered.
"Everybody has their own definition of what toughness is," Tatum added. "Playing the right way, showing up everyday to do your job without complaining. I think that's being tough."
The Celtics will await the winner of the Cleveland Cavaliers vs Orlando Magic matchup.
