Jayson Tatum reflects on Celtics’ Finals loss: “Losing the Finals really took a toll… Everybody was miserable”
Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics aren't getting over their dismal 2022 NBA Finals loss against the Golden State Warriors until they win the ultimate prize.
The Celtics were the outright favorites to win it all and also led the series 2-1. They were in the lead for most of Game 4, too, but succumbed to an all-time performance by Steph Curry.
Reflecting on the impact that the loss had on him and the team, Tatum recently told The Athletic:
"Losing in the Finals really took a toll on everybody. And for the most part, (they brought) everybody back — with the addition of two or three guys. If you talk to everybody, everybody was miserable."
Jayson Tatum had a wretched run in the finals. The 3x All-Star could only produce 21.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 7.0 points per game in that series, shooting a dismal 36.7% from the field. While he enjoyed a phenomenal run in the lead-up to the finals, Tatum certainly disappointed when it mattered the most.
But in all fairness to the Boston Celtics, they were up against arguably the most experienced team in the league. The Golden State Warriors were playing their sixth finals series in eight years. That was always going to bolster their chances of upsetting the odds.
Jayson Tatum and Boston Celtics heavy favorites to win the championship this season after a stellar start
The Boston Celtics did everything in their power to ensure they have the best roster entering the 2022-23 NBA season after their finals loss last year. It's safe to say they were successful in doing that. They added a piece like Malcolm Brogdon and reinforced their frontcourt after the loss of new addition Danilo Gallinari to injury by signing veteran Blake Griffin.
The Celtics benefitted massively from their excellent work in the offseason. They lead the league with a 21-6 record, with the best offensive (119.3) and net rating (8.4). Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have looked like the best duo in the league. The former has led the MVP ladder for most of this young season.
The Celtics also overcame the controversy surrounding head coach Ime Udoka, who got suspended for the season after violating workplace policy. Udoka was crucial in Boston's turnaround and a trip to the finals, so his loss was a significant roadblock the team hit before the season started.
It's safe to say that Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics have used their disappointing finals loss from last season as motivation to be the best team in the league. They are the top favorites to win the East and the championship. It certainly doesn't seem wise to bet against them this year.
Click here to read Jayson Tatum's interview with The Athletic.