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The Boston Celtics are moving on to the second round of the NBA Playoffs, and Jayson Tatum’s performance was central to their 4-1 series win over the Orlando Magic.
In a matchup defined by physicality and defensive intensity, Tatum consistently rose to the occasion. Despite battling a lingering wrist injury—sustained in Game 1 and sidelining him for Game 2—the Celtics star delivered in nearly every moment he was needed. He scored over 30 points in three of the four games he played, including a 35-point, 10-assist, eight-rebound showing in Boston’s emphatic 120-89 closeout win in Game 5.
Tatum’s production anchored a Celtics offense that, at times, struggled to find rhythm in a bruising series against one of the league’s top defensive units. But his efficiency and late-game shot-making helped stabilize Boston during key runs, including a second-half explosion in Game 5 that turned a tight contest into a blowout.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and Orlando Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (3)Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
The 27-year-old forward is in his eight NBA season, but this was his first playoff series since leading the Celtics to their 18th championship last summer. Despite the pressure many feel Boston is under to repeat as champions, Tatum gave an unexpected answer, saying he is carefree right now.
“This season was the most relaxed and carefree that I've been in my career,” he said. “Understanding that we won last year and we accomplished the ultimate goal. You kind of got that monkey off your back.”
For Tatum and the Celtics, the mission remains to repeat as champions, becoming the first team in franchise history to achieve this feat since 1969. For now, Boston awaits the winner of the ongoing Knicks-Pistons series.
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In a matchup defined by physicality and defensive intensity, Tatum consistently rose to the occasion. Despite battling a lingering wrist injury—sustained in Game 1 and sidelining him for Game 2—the Celtics star delivered in nearly every moment he was needed. He scored over 30 points in three of the four games he played, including a 35-point, 10-assist, eight-rebound showing in Boston’s emphatic 120-89 closeout win in Game 5.
Tatum’s production anchored a Celtics offense that, at times, struggled to find rhythm in a bruising series against one of the league’s top defensive units. But his efficiency and late-game shot-making helped stabilize Boston during key runs, including a second-half explosion in Game 5 that turned a tight contest into a blowout.
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Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and Orlando Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (3)Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
The 27-year-old forward is in his eight NBA season, but this was his first playoff series since leading the Celtics to their 18th championship last summer. Despite the pressure many feel Boston is under to repeat as champions, Tatum gave an unexpected answer, saying he is carefree right now.
“This season was the most relaxed and carefree that I've been in my career,” he said. “Understanding that we won last year and we accomplished the ultimate goal. You kind of got that monkey off your back.”
For Tatum and the Celtics, the mission remains to repeat as champions, becoming the first team in franchise history to achieve this feat since 1969. For now, Boston awaits the winner of the ongoing Knicks-Pistons series.
Related: Jayson Tatum Makes Celtics History in Game 5 Against Magic
Related: Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Sends Emotional Joe Mazzulla Message
Related: Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Sends Emotional Joe Mazzulla Message
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