The first game of the NBA Finals did not turn out the way Dallas had hoped. With a returning Kristaps Porzingis catching fire early, the Mavs seemed to have no response for the Celtics. Realizing for the Mavs to win this series, it might take more than just on-court tactics, head coach, Jason Kidd has started to play some mind games to gain an edge over his opponents. He recently called Jaylen Brown the best player on the Celtics squad. While that seems like appreciation, one wouldn’t really read into anything more. However, Kidd might have paved the way for Jayson Tatum’s fear to come true about cracks in Joe Mazzulla’s locker room.

Addressing Kidd’s comments in an official presser, JT seemed rather unfazed by Kidd’s new strategy and said, “No reaction. This is a team sport, we understand that.” Then, giving Brown his flowers, Tatum claimed the Celtics wouldn’t be at this stage without him. He claimed to understand what Kidd was trying to do. “We understand that people try to drive a wedge in between us. It’s a smart to do or try to do. We’ve been in this position for many years with guys trying to divide us… This is not our first time at the rodeo.”

While Tatum seemed clear in his head, the same cannot be said about his teammates. Knowing Jason Kidd all too well being a veteran in this league, Al Horford laughed and said, “Jason Kidd, man. I see what he’s doing… that man is sneaky.” Meanwhile, head coach Joe Mazzulla told his players to “focus on the truth”. However, he did say that what goes on in the locker room and how the players build their relationship is the most important thing.

Jrue Holiday straight-up agreed to Kidd’s comment without any hesitation. “I don’t think he’s lying,” Holiday said. With players divided about the take, there is a chance that Jason Kidd’s strategy might be playing out the way he wanted.

Has Jaylen Brown been better than Jayson Tatum in these playoffs?

When you think about the best player on the Celtics squad, most people’s minds would immediately go to Jayson Tatum. With more individual accolades than Brown, JT certainly has left a bigger impact on fans and established himself as a bigger superstar. But in this historic playoff run to the finals, Jaylen Brown has proven that he is equally if not more important than Tatum for Boston’s success. With his impressive performance in the East finals against the Pacers, Brown bagged his first-ever Conference Finals MVP trophy.

And even he was surprised when his name was announced over Tatum. “I wasn’t expecting it at all. I don’t never win s**t.” He said after winning. Even Jrue Holiday, who agreed with Jason Kidd, revealed why he believes Brown could be the best player on the roster. Apart from being aggressive on offense by getting to the paint, generating free throws, and creating plays for his teammates, JB has also taken up every defensive challenge in front of him. “He’s guarding Luka, he’s guarding the best player,” Holiday claimed.

And this has been the case throughout the entire playoffs, where Brown takes on the toughest defensive assignment of all. Despite that, he is averaging nearly 25 points along with over six rebounds and one steal so far. Meanwhile, Tatum also has similar scoring numbers as Brown.

While it is hard to tell which player is better of the two, if both Tatum and Brown continue this dominance, it will surely help them win their first title together. That is if Jason Kidd’s comment doesn’t cause more rift in their locker room.

Before you go, do not forget to check out how Caitlin Clark’s humility despite the negativity surrounding her is impressing Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato. Keep checking this space for more such updates.