"I would say the same thing for Tatum" - Joe Mazzulla uses Neymar Jr. analogy to clap back at media narratives on Jayson Tatum

Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla compared the criticism that soccer icon Neymar Jr. often gets to the media narrative that Jayson Tatum gets. The Celtics forward has often been criticized for having the biggest expectations each year. This year was no different, as there's a significant expectation for Tatum to lead the Celtics to a title win.

In the first two games of the finals, Tatum hasn't played like himself, only making 28% of his threes. While this hasn't been too much of a problem for the Celtics yet as they are up 2-0, the star is still getting criticism from the media.

During his media availability, Mazzulla asked a Brazilian reporter about which soccer star gets the most pressure and criticism from the media.

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"Who do you think had the hardest adjustment to the media and the criticism? Because the lens with which Brazilian soccer players are looked at is very similar to how American athletes are looked at by their media," Mazzulla asked.

The reporter pointed out that it was Neymar Jr. and Mazzulla immediately compared Tatum's current situation.

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"I agree. I would say the same thing for Tatum."

Tatum is on his second trip to the NBA Finals and there's pressure for him to finish the job. However, he's struggled in the first two games and has not scored a single 20-point game against the Mavs.

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Kristaps Porzingis' injury isn't an issue for the team, according to Joe Mazzulla

During Game 2, Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis had an awkward fall, which led to his early exit from the game. In an update from the Boston squad, they've confirmed that Porzingis has suffered a torn medial retinaculum. The team has listed the Latvian big as day-to-day, which has caused fans to be concerned.

However, head coach Joe Mazzulla isn't too concerned despite the new injury that Porzingis has sustained.

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"Zero. He’s good," Mazzulla said about Porzingis' new injury.

In Porzings' first finals appearance, he's been a significant help for the Celtics. In just two games, he's averaged 16 points, five rebounds and 2.5 blocks. The big man has also shot well from the field, making 60% of his field goals and 28.6% of his 3-pointers.

After Game 2, Porzingis was asked about how he felt after the injury. According to him, he felt fine and he didn't think it was anything serious. His return from injury has been a solid help for the Celtics as he's serving as a sparkplug for the team.

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