“It’s not over until it’s over,” Jaylen Brown said. After a hard-fought battle, Jayson Tatum and his team managed to clinch a 133-128 overtime victory in Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals at the TD Garden. However, the win wouldn’t have been possible without the Celtics’ savior trio. This is the first time in the NBA playoff history that three teammates, Tatum, Brown, and Jrue Holiday scored more than 25 points and at least 3 steals to grab a win. However, the fans and netizens have a different opinion on social media. 

Some of the fans aren’t impressed with Tatum’s performance. Many pointed out how instead it was Brown alone who saved the day. As fans and netizens continued criticizing, NFL star Robert Griffin III stepped in to defend.

Taking to his X handle, Griffin shared a clip explaining Tatum’s role. He could be heard saying, “The Jayson Tatum turnover in OT looked like it shifted all the momentum. But then he showed us WHY HE IS HIM. He got it back with an And 1 and then hit them with a side step 3 pointer to extend the lead. THAT’S HOW YOU RESPOND TO ADVERSITY.”

Giving up wasn’t an option for the Celtics. Fans aren’t wrong to think that Brown’s contribution was crucial to the team’s victory. However, Tatum also gave his best to support his squad. With very few seconds left on the clock, Brown made a crucial three-point shot that sent the Boston Celtics into overtime. Furthermore, he had seven rebounds and 6 assists. On the other hand, Jayson Tatum dished out 36 points and Holiday had 28 points.

The Pacers were phenomenal. Tyrese Haliburton notched up an incredible performance of 25 points and 10 assists for the Pacers. To beat the power team, the Boston Celtics were truly in need of a hero, Brown. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla and others praised Brown and the squad’s efforts. Let’s take a look at the fans’ comments that Griffin is fighting against.

“JB is the reason” Fans disagree with Robert Griffin III’s opinion

One of the netizens showed a snap of Brown making the shot over pacers’s Pascal Siakam and wrote, “This is the real HIM”

https://x.com/TheDynastyXXI/status/1793119504538493300

One of the fans believes that it was the refs again who helped the Boston Celtics win and wrote, “Did we watch the same game? The Pacers and the refs giftwrapped that game.” This comes after Pacers’ coach, Rick Carlisle had criticised officiating during their clash against the Knicks. He had said “Small-market teams deserve an equal shot.”

https://x.com/DruDilly/status/1793116751338811497

Another agreed that Tatum gave a phenomenal game but his team wasn’t up to par. The comment read, “He’s a great player, but his teammates still seem to look to him to win games for them, rather than play to their abilities themselves.” A wake-up call for the Celtics perhaps.

https://x.com/timfumble/status/1793127891288379610