The TD Garden was adorned in green and white confetti. The Boston fans were ecstatic. The franchise won their 18th title, the most among any team in the history of the NBA. The night belonged to Jayson Tatum. The prolific forward pierced through the Dallas Mavericks and recorded a statement performance in what was a dominant win. Celebrating his first championship, JT decided to take notes from some icons from the past. As the confetti fell around him, Tatum’s triumph was not just a victory on the court but a nod to legends before him, setting the stage for a celebration that would spark both admiration and controversy across the NBA fandom.

At first, it was when he looked upon the confetti falling on his face and the rapturous vibe in the stands. He couldn’t believe it. Finally, through all the adversity and sacrifices, he became an NBA champion. He yelled “We did it” as he tried to jump back into reality from his disbelief. It was resemblant to Kevin Garnett in 2008 when he bellowed the phrase “Anything is possible“ after winning his first and only championship after 13 years atop the NBA.

Tatum also got himself a commercial from the Jordan brand after his title. It invited criticism and celebrated how the 26-year-old feels energized and vengeful when there are doubters. It was almost similar to Anthony Edwards’ commercial where the Timberwolves ace kept his ‘receipts’. As for Tatum, his tagline read ‘Don’t stop disbelieving‘.

Later in the night. After thrashing the locker room with champagne showers and cigars, the Celtics team took the Larry O’Brien on a journey to the nightclub. While on the stage staring at 100’s Boston natives, Tatum cited Kanye West’s iconic Grammy speech from 2005.

“Everybody was wondering what would happen if we didn’t win. I guess we will never know“, he said while cradling the golden and coveted NBA championship. While it wasn’t original, there was some depth to his words. The Celtics had gone all guns blazing to assemble a roster for a championship. They gave Jrue Holiday and Porzingis extensions all while holding on to Tatum and Finals MVP Jaylen Brown. Had they lost to the Dallas Mavericks, they would have been ridiculed or even labeled as ‘busts‘ as a unit. However, the Shamrocks weren’t going to let the 2022 disappointment repeat itself.

Tatum’s 31-point surge saw them lift the title. It was a first for many, but it is far from the end for this stacked Celtics team who are keen on going on a championship marathon of their own.

NBA Fans are merciless against Jayson Tatum

While Tatum’s Kanye moment was well received by his teammates and the ones present, the same can’t be said about the NBA community. One of the fans reminded Tatum of their loss to Stephen Curry and the Warriors two seasons ago and wrote, “Actually we do know. When Steph became your daddy 2 years ago“. Of course, the defeat to the Bay came before the Celtics invited lethal reinforcements in the offseason and it was also Tatum’s first experience in an NBA Finals.

Another fan felt Tatum lacked originality and was only using celebrities to celebrate his triumph. “Bro wants to be everyone else except himself“ a fan concluded. The All-NBA First Team forward has achieved tremendous feats in his young career. He is a multiple-time All-Star, All-NBA selection, and now an NBA champion. So while he might be celebrating in his manner, nothing can take away from what he has achieved as a superstar talent.

Now, it wasn’t all hate. Some Celtics fans did support Tatum. One of them even called him the “best player in the world“ after he conquered his maiden NBA title at last. Another fan urged others to stop the hate because Tatum and Brown had been rewarded for their loyalty and trust in their combination. “Him and Jaylen Brown did it together didn’t leave, stood with their team and got it done” the fan stated.

No matter how he celebrates or which celebrity he quotes, Jayson Tatum cares about only one priced possession, the NBA championship. He has had the lust for it for a long, now that he has tasted the sweetness of victory, he might not stop so easily.

But before you go, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese.