The Boston Celtics were the favorites to win over the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals, but they understand that their opponents will not simply roll over the red carpet for them.
This was proven by how tight of a contest Game 1 got. The Pacers brought their A game, and it took a lot out of the C’s to make the fans who walked out of thee game before Jaylen Brown’s incredible game-winner look like fools.
![Jayson Tatum Praises Boston Celtics Teammates for Efforts in Epic Game 1 Win vs Indiana 1 Dec 14, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and guard Jaylen Brown (7) on the court against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/USATSI_22106377_168400517_lowres-scaled.jpg)
No one understands how tough the games at this level better than Jayson Tatum. The baby-faced forward pulled off an incredible effort just to get the Celtics back on track, but he values what his teammates brought to the table to help them win the series opener.
Jayson Tatum credits Boston Celtics teammates for their epic Game 1 comeback
![Jayson Tatum Praises Boston Celtics Teammates for Efforts in Epic Game 1 Win vs Indiana 2 May 21, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) reacts after the game against the Indiana Pacers for game one of the eastern conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/USATSI_23344999_168400517_lowres-scaled.jpg)
Tatum had an incredible effort as the Celtics tried everything they could to break away from the Pacers as much as possible. He finished the game with 36 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, and three steals on 12-for-26 shooting.
The media asked him during the post-game press conference about his thoughts on the game. He immediately praised his teammates for their contributions on keeping the game under control for the C’s:
“Big time players make big time plays… this was the definition of a team win.”
Jayson Tatum compliments Jaylen Brown, Jrue Holiday and Derrick White’s Game 1 performances 💯#NBAConferenceFinals presented by Google Pixel pic.twitter.com/TrsjVhfhTa
— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2024
Jaylen Brown deserves a lot of the credit for he made the buzzer-beater that helped them secure the game. Aside from his late-game heroics, Tatum’s co-star finished with 26 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals.
![Jayson Tatum Praises Boston Celtics Teammates for Efforts in Epic Game 1 Win vs Indiana 3 Boston Celtics, Derrick White, Boston Celtics news: Derrick White news, NBA Playoffs, Ray Allen](https://www.hardwoodheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/USATSI_23213917_168400517_lowres.jpg)
However, Brown wasn’t the only one who got specific praise from Tatum. Derrick White and Jrue Holiday have been solid players for the C’s this season, and they proved their worth again with a solid showing against a terrific Pacers team.
Boston Celtics fans hope these four players continue playing how they do to finish the series early and help them focus on winning their first NBA title since 2008.
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