Jayson Tatum discussed the challenges of playing for the Celtics with the media before to Game 5. Tatum disregarded any sense of pressure, attributing it instead to the fervor of the fan support. He thanked the Celtics supporters for their unwavering love and support and for attending all of their championship games.

It doesn’t seem like pressure to me. I definitely notice when you drive around and stop at the gas station or, like I did yesterday, go grab some ice cream, especially around this time of year, during the playoffs, and obviously, when you’re in the NBA Finals for the second time. Everyone is incredibly enthused about this team, what we’ve accomplished so far, and what we have left to do. Celtics clothing is everywhere.”

“You can truly sense how much everyone in Boston cares about us, how much they’ve been rooting for us, and how much they love and support us.” I see it as unwavering support instead of pressure. Here, we have an incredible fan following.”

Tatum’s remarks are not timed coincidentally; he is presumably attempting to energize the Celtics supporters in advance of Game 5. They were eliminated from the series in Game 4 by the Mavericks. It is possible that Tatum is attempting to motivate the supporters to attend Game 5 in order to exert pressure on the Mavericks during the final game.

Tatum has had a difficult time in the NBA Finals thus far, averaging just 20.0 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.3 assists while only shooting 26.5% from three-point range and 36.5% from the field overall. Even though the Celtics won their first three games in the NBA Finals, Tatum hasn’t been at his best in this series.

Kyrie Irving says he was disrespectful to the Celtics. The Expectations of FansPrior to Game 5, Kyrie Irving also discussed his tenure with the Celtics. Irving displayed humility by acknowledging that he alienated fans during his time there because he failed to embrace the team’s culture and tragedy. Irving accepted responsibility for the difficult time he experienced while donning the green and white.

You have to treat people with respect here, and I believe that’s why I first found it difficult to be a great player here—to win championships and guide the team. As a player, that is what they anticipate from you.”

“They anticipate that you will easily adopt the team’s pride and embrace all things Celtic. And you’ll be exposed if you don’t. That’s probably off the table. It was something I did to myself. Even though I know a lot of people in the organization and my pals are still here, they don’t give me a warm greeting.”

However, it was only something I did to myself. And that’s what I meant when I discussed making decisions. But in retrospect, I should have respected them more and surrounded myself with more Boston Celtics advisors who had experience with pressure.”

аfter cоntinuоusly heckling аnd bооing Irving during the first twо gаmes оf the NBа Finаls, the Celtics fаn bаse hаs cleаrly grоwn tired оf him sо fаr in the series. Tоmоrrоw night, Irving аnd the Mаvericks will try tо steаl а gаme оn the rоаd аnd mаintаin their hоpes оf winning а title. Irving will be аttempting tо exаct pаybаck.

The Celtics do not want to take a chance on this series going to seven games, so they will be trying to wrap up the NBA Finals tomorrow. The Celtics would win their first title since 2008 and would solidify Jaylen Brown and Tatum’s status as Celtics legends if they prevail tomorrow.