Jayson Tatum Claps Back at Doubters Questioning Celtics’ ‘Toughness’

The Boston Celtics did what they were supposed to do tonight, make light work of a Jimmy Butler-less Miami Heat and send them home. After the Celtics lost Game 2 at home to the shorthanded Heat, many wondered if once again, the team in green would choke in the postseason. Some even questioned their toughness and their mettle to bring a Championship to Boston. However, with tonight’s win, the Celtics silenced the critics. And their best player, Jayson Tatum, doubled down by clapping back at the doubters after the win.

When a reporter asked Tatum postgame what he believes teams think about the Celtics’ toughness, deeming the idea “lazy” Tatum said, “What’s the definition of tough? Having the louder guys on your team? That sh*t don’t make you tough. Everybody has their own definition of what toughness is. It’s playing the right way, showing up every day to do your job without complaining. I think that’s being tough.”

The Celtics may have fallen victim to the narrative created by the media about their lack of toughness just because their season is not filled with enough drama, or they are seldom part of heated moments on the court. Regardless, they beat Miami tonight, a team that prides on their toughness as part of the ‘Heat Culture.’ So, who’s to say that the Boston Celtics are not tough? The only team in the regular season to win over sixty games this year, Jayson Tatum’s squad took care of business and put themselves in the best situation they could. And now, they are ready to face the next opponent and finish the job the right way.

Has early success worked against Jayson Tatum?

Another reason the Celtics and especially Jayson Tatum’s toughness comes into question frequently could be because success came too early for him. For context, if any other player had four conference finals and an NBA Finals appearance under his belt at the age of 25, he would arguably be considered the future of the league. But Jayson Tatum, having done exactly that in his young career, hardly gets any recognition for his achievements.

Even LeBron James, on his podcast, shared the same sentiment backing Tatum’s accomplishments, “Everyone wants to see him get over the hump but four Conference Finals and a Finals appearance before the age of 26, that’s elite.”

Reminding everyone that he as well as Michael Jordan did not win their first chip until they were 28, LeBron pointed out the pressure Tatum is facing at such a young age. For context, Luka Doncic is 25 years old, and despite getting out of the first round only once, he is considered one of the best players in the world today. But why can the same not be said for Jayson Tatum? Perhaps, a change in narrative or a better definition is what’s required to realize the toughness of the Boston Celtics and Jayson Tatum as they continue their pursuit to win a Championship.