The Boston Celtics were still reminiscing about the graffiti falling on the hardwood at the TD Garden. Their core had rubbed off any doubts. At the pinnacle though were Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Their tandem had been questioned, and even labeled incapable of winning a championship. Both of them played pivotal roles and proved doubters wrong once and for all. Yet in the months to follow, they were still not valued.

Brown, despite being a Finals MVP didn’t make it to the Olympic roster even as an opening paved its way. Tatum was present in Paris, but for the most part, spent time on the bench. It angered the Celtics nation. Bob Cousy, a franchise icon raised his voice against Steve Kerr. But more than him, it was raging for their teammates to watch their state. Al Horford in particular could feel their pain.

“I personally was not happy about it. Those guys, they’re very special to me… it motivated me and all of us for this season,” he said about his Celtics teammates to ESPN.

Brown, being an outspoken personality expressed his frustrations online. He condemned Nike and sent out regular cryptic tweets about his Olympic snub. But his time couldn’t have been worse than Tatum’s. Not only did he have a “mechanical” problem with his jumper, but he couldn’t get regular reps playing behind two juggernauts, LeBron James and Kevin Durant. It resulted in a subpar campaign for him, but Horford saw a positive in the way his star teammates dealt with their challenges.

“I know that they handled it well. They’re fine. But when you see those two guys, the amount of work that they’ve put in, the sacrifices they have made. To be on the top of their games and that happened to them, it was hard to watch [the Olympics] and not see them in the position that we would’ve hoped to see them in,” the seasoned center told ESPN.

For Jayson Tatum, he too acknowledged his unflattering international summer. However, he didn’t sulk or pindown Kerr like the rest of the NBA world did. Rather, he reflected upon the journey as a challenge. It was a hard one, but due to his prior Olympic experience, he was aware of the differences in playing in the Olympics as compared to the NBA.

“I stayed prepared, did what was asked of me, and ended up winning a gold medal… The rhythm is odd when playing for Team USA because you never know when you’ll get the ball,” he said about his Olympics.

Ultimately though, shortcomings sting. And a lack of acknowledgment acts as fuel for a season where the Celtics are looking to defend their joyous championship.

It’s all motivation and purpose for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown

In the weeks after his Olympic snub, Brown’s social media made it seem like he had found a coping mechanism. It was to head back to the lab and hone his gave further. He used the anger and disappointment at not being in Paris to shape a redemption story for the coming season. “He’s so hungry, so motivated, so driven,” Horford says.

And while not as vocal or transparent as his co-partner, Tatum too had adapted a similar degree of ferocity to tackle his shooting woes. Whether it’s turning up to the gym or doing two workouts, he has opted into the process. And it comes at a time when the Celtics most need it. Repeating success is never easy.

Additionally, doing so with the same roster is rare unless it’s a culmination like that of the Celtics. However, while the franchise has barraged through its finances to keep the core together, getting out of the East isn’t going to be as easy as last season. The 76ers have reinforced themselves and the Knicks seem just as tenacious and balanced as the Shamrocks.

They will also be without Kristaps Porzingis for the first few months. In such circumstances, the only thing that can propel them to retain their desire prior to a championship is a chip. Luckily, both Brown and Jayson Tatum are eager to stand that test, and Brad Stevens has noticed a fire brewing in them.

“I also think that those guys will take any motivation that they can get to work and get better,” he told ESPN.

History could be on the line as a championship could mean the beginning of an undeniable dynasty. Fail and the core could be split to avoid financial damages, especially with new ownership set to take the reigns soon. The question is, do you think JT and Jaylen Brown can channel their strong emotions and become greedy for more gold? That’s the level of obsession it takes to win after having tasted it.

By the looks of it, they seem to be more driven than ever before.