Jayson Tatum shares Joe Mazzulla’s message to Celtics ahead of Game 5 of NBA Finals

The Celtics enter Game 5 of the NBA Finals with a chance to turn Monday night’s game at TD Garden into a championship coronation. That same opportunity presented itself to them Friday night in Dallas, but after not losing a close game or a road tilt in the playoffs, the Mavericks extended the series with a dominant performance in a 122-84 victory .

The lopsided nature of that loss prompted questions about how Boston handled its chance to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

Some interpreted this as the Celtics being too cavalier about their chance to become NBA champions, perhaps thinking the Mavericks would let go without much resistance.

However, at media day on Sunday, Jayson Tatum clarified: “We basically wanted to kill, and we wanted to win so bad that we maybe slipped away from what makes us special and what makes us the Boston Celtics.

“Today, (Joe Mazzulla) just reminded every guy why he’s important to this team, why we all need each other and what a person brings to the table. I think it was really important for us to talk about it today.”

This mentality of wanting to win so badly that it becomes counterproductive has already cost Boston dearly. The best example now is what happened at the American Airlines Center Friday night.

But a year ago, after Jayson Tatum injured his ankle in the first play of Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals, jeopardizing his performance as he tried to take on even more responsibility and bring the Celtics back in the championship round, Jaylen Brown committed a career. eight high turnovers.

Mazzulla, taking the pulse of the team, understands that for them to be at their best, it’s not the mindset they need to adopt, but rather understanding how special it is to play on the scene of the NBA finals.

“I think maybe we put too much pressure on ourselves at that point to be perfect or think it was going to go the way we wanted it to,” Tatum said, reflecting on Boston’s loss in the fourth match.

“Joe did a great job today reminding us that it’s okay to smile during wars. It’s okay to have fun in high-pressure moments. That’s what makes our team unique and special.

“We would like to win tomorrow, more than anything. But if it doesn’t happen, it’s not the end of the world. We have more opportunities. So, we just have to set the table so as not to give up on the idea that we We have to win tomorrow We would love to do that, absolutely. But Game 5 is the biggest game of the season because it’s the next game on the schedule.

“So just continue with that mindset and have fun. That’s really what we talked about today. Get back to having fun and being a team and how special we are and the team that we brought here.”

The Celtics are not ignoring the possibility of losing on Monday and there being a Game 6 in Dallas. But to avoid this scenario and reach the top of the NBA, they must stick to the outlook that brought them to the brink of Banner 18. By focusing more on the joy of this pressure-filled moment as they are trying to finish off the Mavericks and completing their championship run is the key to reaching the top of the mountain.

Further reading

Celtics discuss preventing Mavs from relying on dominant Game 4

Reliable Xavier Tillman discusses learning to “be a star in your own role”

Celtics break down keys to perhaps their best playoff quarter

Celtics weather late storm to move within one win of Banner 18

Sports doctor details challenges and risks of Kristaps Porzingis’ NBA Finals appearance

Jrue Holiday’s championship DNA rubs off on the Celtics

Stifling defense moves Celtics halfway to Banner 18

Jayson Tatum’s joy outweighs the pressure of returning to the NBA Finals

Inside the moment that propelled the Celtics to victory in Game 1 of the NBA Finals

Celtics set tone for NBA Finals with Game 1 Haymaker