Even after being upset by the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference semifinal series, the Boston Celtics are odds-on favorites versus the entire field to win the NBA Finals. At DraftKings, the Celtics are -110 while the next highest favorite on the board is the Minnesota Timberwolves at +285. While expectations have been championship or bust for the Celtics all season, star player Jayson Tatum wonders why it has to be that way.
Tatum has fallen under some criticism because he hasn’t necessarily taken the playoffs by storm like Anthony Edwards or Jalen Brunson. Even though Tatum will likely be named first team All-NBA once again by being the best player on the best team in the league, he isn’t being touted by much of anyone as being part of the “next face of the NBA” discussion.
After a stunning blowout loss to the Cavs at home in Game 2, Tatum tried to downplay the conversation around the Celtics that they are “supposed to win every game.”
Jayson Tatum on expectations for the Celtics: “That’s the narrative you might see on TV, the idea that we have a super team. It’s twofold. We didn’t have the Coach of the Year or MVP. We only had two All-Stars. They say we’re a super team, but we didn’t get rewarded like we are.” pic.twitter.com/kWhHv4afDM
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) May 10, 2024
The Celtics are a bit of a paradox in this regard. Of course they should be the overwhelming favorite because they won the Eastern Conference by 14 games and had by far the best record in the NBA. While they only had two All-Stars this season, the additions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday have given them undoubtedly the best starting five in the league.
While Tatum might be trying to ease the pressure on the Celtics and their superteam narrative, it may also contribute to the other narrative surrounding the team – that they don’t possess the mental toughness to succeed in the postseason. Of course, the only way to disprove that narrative will be to win the championship this year and fully embrace the pressure.
