Jayson Tatum’s hazardous fall with only one minute remaining in the game nearly derailed the Boston Celtics’ impressive victory over the Miami Heat in the 2024 Playoffs.
Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat went off without a hitch, lasting 47 minutes. On a day when the Heat were without No. 1 star Jimmy Butler, the host side Celtics absolutely took the initiative and led by a significant margin.
However, in the final minute of play, a bit of “drama” emerged. Miami pitcher Caleb Martin committed a really hard foul on Jayson Tatum. The collision occurred in the air, and the All-Star player and Celtics landed on their backs with great power.
The Miami Heat and Boston Celtics have met in all three recent NBA Playoffs and four postseasons over the last five years.
Strong collisions or violent errors are inevitable whenever the two sides meet. This time was no exception, as Martin made a blatant mistake by causing an unwanted collision.
After a few seconds of lying on the ground in the silence of the TD Garden arena, where over 19,000 people were watching the situation of the Boston Celtics’ No. 1 player, Jayson Tatum rose up and successfully took both free kicks.
Fortunately for Jayson Tatum and his Boston Celtics teammates, there were no injuries.
Jayson Tatum told reporters that he understands the essence of NBA playoff basketball, particularly when facing a wealthy foe such as the Miami Heat.
“This is the NBA Playoffs, where physicality and contact will increase greatly compared to the Regular Season. I know this and also know well about the Miami Heat, a team with a very physical style of play and many collisions. It’s just a normal situation ,” Tatum said.
Jayson Tatum understands he will be “taken care of” in the NBA Playoffs.Caleb Martin, a Miami Heat player, stated that he was pushed, which caused him to connect in the air with Jayson Tatum: “I know that collision was quite strong, it seemed like I was pushed from behind and inertia guided me.” to Jayson’s place. Knowing this was a significant foul, I went ahead and helped him up.”
Tatum also stated that being fouled like way is normal: “In that phase, I knew they had committed enough team fouls, so I jumped into the dispute to try to catch the foul.” Surely, I’ll have more crashes and fouls in this series. The most essential thing is that I’m not in pain or injured.
Jayson Tatum ended with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, his first triple-double in the playoffs. Game 1 ended with a score of 114-94, a convincing victory accompanied by a powerful message from Boston.
The second game of the first round series between the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics will be played on Thursday, April 25 at the Celtics’ home arena, TD Garden.