Watch: Overwhelmed Jayson Tatum shares emotional moment with son Deuce after winning maiden NBA title
Leading into the 2024 NBA Finals, Jayson Tatum told the media that his return to the championship series was a “second chance.” The superstar forward has been insisting over the past few years that he didn’t want to suffer the pain of defeat on the same stage. Tatum’s critics never let up, particularly after he had back-to-back rough shooting nights to start the series.
Tatum, however, refused to let his scoring struggles affect his impact on the game. He contributed almost everywhere he was asked to. One of the NBA’s deadliest scorers also made his presence felt with his defense and playmaking. Together with Jaylen Brown, they pushed the Celtics to a record-breaking 18th Larry O’Brien Trophy.
When the final buzzer sounded, the Boston Celtics basked in the glory of the team’s 106-88 win to bag the championship. Jayson Tatum bent in relief, realizing what he had accomplished. A few moments later, Deuce came and just said, "Daddy."
Deuce is a beloved figure in the Celtics locker room and is a fan favorite. It wasn’t surprising that Tatum was overwhelmed when he hugged his son to celebrate the past and embrace the present. Even his haters held back from saying something about the moment.
Jayson Tatum hugged his son and said:
"We did it!"
Jayson Tatum completes his redemption
Jayson Tatum was ripped when the Boston Celtics lost the 2022 NBA championship to the Golden State Warriors. He and Jaylen Brown fell way short in so many aspects. They vowed to be better to win banner No. 18 for Boston.
Tatum admitted in past interviews that he was so consumed with scoring to lead the Celtics to the championship. He no longer holds the same conviction after being taught a painful lesson. “JT” can now significantly impact games in different ways.
In the second quarter of Game 5, Jayson Tatum had 12 points and five assists in the second quarter. That stretch was crucial for the Boston Celtics as they took a 67-46 halftime lead. Tatum’s 20 points and 10 assists led everyone after the first 24 minutes ended.
Over the next two quarters, he scattered 11 more points and played solid defense regardless of who he was matched up against. He didn’t mind jostling against Dallas’ imposing big men when Al Horford was asked to switch on to guards in the perimeter. Tatum was two rebounds shy of a triple-double.
After getting lambasted for a poor 2022 NBA Finals, Tatum completed his redemption. Through the ups and downs, he always had Deuce as his inspiration. Together, they celebrated the 2024 championship on Boston’s floor as confetti started to fall on them.