For many years now, no matter his performance, Jayson Tatum has taken a lot of heat from critics and haters for one reason – He hasn’t clinched a victory. Today, he changed history and got his much-deserved ring. The Celtics literally demolished the Dallas Mavericks 106-88, grabbing tight to the Larry O’Brien trophy. And while he did this, he had his own cheerleader and lucky charm on the courtside, rooting for him: his son, Deuce Tatum.
Deuce Tatum was at the TD Garden watching his dad play and make 31 points in Game 5 as he has for his entire life. So the six-year-old had the most profound words for his dad when he won the Larry O’Brien Trophy. With a championship under his belt now, Tatum Sr. had the response of a winner too. But really, social media is the winner getting to witness the cutest dad-son moment in the NBA finals.
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Tatum was the one who revealed what Deuce had to say to him in the post-game presser. “He told me that I was the best in the world. I said, ‘You damn right I am.’” What a way to top Father’s Day for sure.
Jayson Tatum on his son, Deuce, after winning the NBA championship: “He told me that I was the best in the world. I said, ‘You damn right I am.’” pic.twitter.com/737OFsaJqL
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 18, 2024
Tonight was a wonderful experience for Tatum. It was his second appearance in the Finals after he lost in 2022 to the Warriors. All the struggles, hard work, and sacrifices his family made to ensure Tatum became what he is today led to this brilliant moment. So, as soon as the clock hit 0:0, Tatum sprinted towards his son, embracing him, holding him close, screaming at the top of his voice, “We did it“. In response, a delighted Deuce also celebrated his victory, “Daddy!”
Truly a wholesome moment for the Tatum family.
Probably more than anyone else. He promised his son a victory, and he got him a massive one! He might be just 6, but Deuce is aware of the ripples his father sent across the NBA world today.
Deuce is Jayson Tatum’s biggest fan
Born on December 6, 2017, Deuce has been an honorary part of his father’s support system. So much so that Deuce is now a fan favorite. We often get a glimpse of him running to his father in his post-game interviews, jumping into his lap. He’s been courtside in many of his father’s games and has stolen the spotlight several times. In fact, he is often seen running to the locker room to stay closer to his dad, hyping the Celtics’ roster up by giving them his cute, tiny high-5s!
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And even when Deuce isn’t present for a game or two, Jayson Tatum keeps his son closer to him by writing his name on all of his game-day shoes. It’s probably one of the biggest gifts Jayson gets as a father, to watch his son cheer him on as he takes the world on.
In May 2023, he was seen participating in the Kid’s dunk contest during the halftime performances. He was seen running the small basketball, looping it under his legs flawlessly, before he slammed it in the hoop, as fans cheered him on. The young Tatum then runs off with a wide smile and his tongue poking out.
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His contribution to the Celtics’ social media is immense too, as he is usually visible on some posts or the other.
Deuce was born when Tatum was just a rookie, probably why he feels both of them are growing up together. “I’m around him every day. I think being able to go through this journey together because I was 19 when I got drafted, it’s kind of like we’re growing up together. As he’s gotten older, I’m going through my career, sharing these moments, experiencing this together as we grow up”.