Tatum ends ‘revenge game’ narrative after loss to Warriors originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Wednesday night’s showdown between the Boston Celtics and Golden State Warriors at TD Garden has been circled on many calendars after the 2024-25 NBA schedule was announced.

Not only was it a showpiece duel between two of the best teams in the league, but it was also considered a “revenge game” for Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum against Warriors coach Steve Kerr. Kerr drew the ire of C’s fans when he benched Tatum twice at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Tatum had the second fewest minutes of any player on Team USA’s roster.

Although he had every reason to use that motivation heading into Wednesday’s game, Tatum downplayed the drama following Boston’s 118-112 loss.

“I didn’t think about it,” Tatum said. “Just another Wednesday.” Another game. Another opportunity to come in and try to be the best player I can be. Another day to just try to get a win.”

The Olympics may have been an afterthought for Tatum, but it was on the minds of fans at TD Garden as they loudly booed Kerr before the game began. Many hoped Tatum would match that “revenge” energy, but the 26-year-old has no interest in putting on a facade for the masses.

“It’s part of this job,” he said. “That’s what I’ve been dealing with my whole career.” People want me to be louder. People want me to be mean or whatever. One thing about Jayson is that I will always do what I want to do (expletive) and approach things the way I want to approach them and what I believe is sincere to who I am as person.”

Tatum went on to explain how his mentality has changed since entering the NBA at the age of 19.

“I mean, excuse my language, but you just learn not to say (expletive),” he said. “I feel very comfortable in my skin. I feel good about the things I have achieved. I know who I am and I feel comfortable making my own decisions the way I want to make them and doing things the way I want.

“When you’re younger, you’re very busy or preoccupied with pleasing people you don’t know or things like that. If I do things the way I want to do them, I can live with the result in any situation.” . That’s where I arrived in my life.

The five-time All-Star did his part to give Boston a chance to win Wednesday night’s matchup. He finished with a game-high 32 points on 10 of 20 shooting (5-10 3-PT), four rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block. He has now scored at least 30 points in five of the Celtics’ nine games this season.

Tatum and the C’s enter Friday night’s game against the Brooklyn Nets with a record of 7-2. This match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Boston.