Jayson Tatum is understandably thrilled to bits after winning his first NBA championship, but he is being mocked on social media for his celebrations. A fan on X claimed that Tatum is trying to recreate some iconic celebrations from the past.
“Jayson Tatum trying his hardest to recreate every NBA title celebration moment he watched on YouTube.”
I must say, it sure does look like Tatum has been trying to do just that. The first instance came during his postgame interview on the court.
“WE DID IT”
-Jayson Tatum pic.twitter.com/sjderpnGD0
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 18, 2024
If you’ve been following the NBA even remotely closely over the years, this would have reminded you of Kevin Garnett’s comments after winning the title in 2008 with the Boston Celtics.
Later during that same interview, Tatum sent a rather familiar message to his and the Celtics’ critics.
“What they gonna say now,” Tatum asked.
Of course, Stephen Curry said that after he won Finals MVP by helping the Golden State Warriors beat the Celtics in the 2022 NBA Finals.
WNBA star Angel Reese had also uttered the same words after LSU won the national championship in 2023 by beating Iowa.
Up next was a moment many fans expected to see if the Celtics won the championship. Tatum’s idol was the great Kobe Bryant and he recreated the Los Angeles Lakers icon’s iconic pose after winning the NBA championship in 2001.
Lmaoo I’m cryin 😂😂 pic.twitter.com/IHkqO8iTcU
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) June 18, 2024
Fans also joked that Tatum was rushing to the locker room to take that picture after the game ended.
Tatum running to the locker room to take the Kobe photo after the game pic.twitter.com/kGK2THTsnB
— BricksCenter (@BricksCenter) June 18, 2024
If you thought that was all, there’s even more. Tatum also had champagne poured on his face during the celebrations in the locker room.
Nahhh Jayson Tatum gotta chill lmao pic.twitter.com/1zL7csyeiu
— John (@iam_johnw) June 18, 2024
Fans believed that an attempt was made to recreate Chris Bosh’s celebration after the Miami Heat beat the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2012 NBA Finals.
That was it from a basketball standpoint, but Tatum didn’t stop there. He then chose to deliver Kanye West’s iconic line from his acceptance speech for the Grammy for Best Rap Album in 2005.
“I know everybody was wondering what would happen if we didn’t win,” Tatum said. “I guess we’ll never know.”
“Everybody was wondering what would happen if we didn't win… I guess we'll never know”
Tatum still hasn’t said anything original 😭
pic.twitter.com/mK1Vfee1Dj
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) June 18, 2024
Some originality certainly would have been nice but I wouldn’t be too hard on Tatum. The 26-year-old is now an NBA champion and winners can celebrate however they want at the end of the day.
As for Tatum’s play in the Finals, it was a mixed bag. The five-time All-Star averaged 22.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 0.6 blocks per game, but shot 38.8% from the field and 26.3% from beyond the arc.
Tatum did at least end things in style, as he recorded 31 points, 8 rebounds, 11 assists, and 2 steals in Game 5 to lead the Celtics to a 106-88 win. The five-time All-Star didn’t win Finals MVP, but it does feel like the monkey is off his back now with this championship.
We have seen players in the past take that next step after they win their first title and it will be interesting if Tatum does that as well. If he does, then the Celtics have a shot at going on somewhat of a dynastic run. They won’t be able to keep this core together after next season and will need him and Jaylen Brown to step up after that.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
