The Team USA Olympic basketball team received all the plaudits for winning the gold medal in Paris. Stephen Curry showed why he is the greatest hoopster of his generation. In the meantime, LeBron James played his part in the gold-winning role. But Steve Kerr left out one person from the line-up: the 2024 NBA champion, Jayson Tatum. Questions loomed on why Kerr dropped JT to the bench.

Everyone looks forward to the fireworks from Tatum in tomorrow’s matchup between the Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors. The narrative out there states Jayson is in for revenge. He wants to prove his worth to Steve Kerr. However, ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne talked to Brian Windhorst regarding Tatum’s plan for the next game.

His response – “Just another game!” 

Everyone knows Tatum’s ability. But people question his attitude. His lackadaisical approach. JT’s jump shots looked terrible last season. Yet, every single time he comes up with the goods. Ramona perfectly put out her conversation with the NBA champion.She stated on The Hoop Collective, “Coming into the season, Jayson Tatum is not having, he doesn’t want to have this blazing, hot-take, revenge tour anything like that. I think Jayson Tatum, people really don’t know this guy very well.”

Often a quiet character outside the court, Tatum focuses on the game rather than running for controversies. This controversy, notably, found him. Ramona also articulated how his jumper didn’t work out well last year. Despite putting up points in bunches, his 38.8 FG% doesn’t paint a pretty picture. Working on it becomes the next part of power forward’s development.

Likewise, he recognized the performances he showcased for Team USA could’ve been better. “But I think he knows that. He’s a very proud guy. So, I don’t think he’s the type who’s going to whine or complain or send text messages to stir the pot,” quoted Ramona.

Jayson Tatum didn’t choose the smoke life!

In terms of head-to-head against the Warriors, Tatum leads the series 9-5. By averaging 22.5 points per game, he rolls his socks up for a Warriors matchup. Therefore, JT wants to take his game to the next level. She continued, “But Jayson wants to answer them with his play. Jayson is not the type to give that kinda quote and to stir the pot. This is how he’s wired. He is the nicest guy in the NBA.”

While the hoopster may view it as simply a game, we have a fondness for narratives, don’t we? Rivalry, please. Millennial or Boomer sports enthusiasts say the game’s gone soft. Not a lot of pushing and shoving and trash-talking, and it’s all brotherly love out there.Who doesn’t love a little drama? Well, Ramona too believes “it’s not just another game.”

“What he is doing this season is answering everybody, answering all those critics with his play. That’s what you would want any superstar to do. Like the Nuggets will be thrilled if Jamal Murray had that attitude.”

Are you listening, Jamal? That’s a story for another day. For now, the complete locked-on target switches to the Celtics vs GSW at 7.30 pm ET/4:30 pm PT. Let’s see who wins the battle of the mind games!