Boston Celtics: Bam Adebayo’s T-Shirt featured Jayson Tatum swipe

It really is like that between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat, huh?

Today, one of the most important games of the C’s season will take place at the TD Garden at 1 pm against the Heat, with avoiding the postseason play-in tournament hanging in the balance. Not only are these two teams locking horns this afternoon, but a second matchup on Tuesday could be the knockout punch to Boston’s avoidance of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals qualifying games.

Currently a game back of the #6 seed, the Celtics are likely to be missing Jaylen Brown for the second game in a row. That didn’t bode well for them on Friday when Jayson Tatum failed to register double-digit scoring and Chicago bested Boston by 22.

A repeat performance cannot occur for the 23-year-old 2x All-Star as the Cs slide down the standings while Miami and Atlanta look to be coming on strong late.

And especially because of what Bam Adebayo just wore on his flight to Boston:

Oh no he didn’t.

The first-time All-Star in 2021 is clearly feeling himself after his Heat won three of their last four games. He’s having a career-year, with averages of 19 points, nine rebounds, and five assists per game. This, of course, coming after a spectacular showing in the Eastern Conference finals down in the Lake Buena Vista bubble last September against the Boston Celtics.

His shirt depicts his greatest moment of that playoff run, a game-saving block on Jayson Tatum in OT in game one of the ECF. The Heat were up by two, and Tatum’s dunk would have likely sent the contest into a second overtime.

Instead, momentum was gained that likely translated to Miami going up 2-0 nothing in the series. The Cs fought back, but ultimately, Adebayo’s play was too much for Brad Stevens’ frontcourt and Miami punched their first ticket to the NBA Finals in six years while denying Boston their first in a decade.

Adebayo wants the Celtics and their fanbase to remember what happened when these two teams began a high-stakes series last September. It could be an image that haunts the Cs tomorrow if he can secure the paint and prevent Tatum, Kemba Walker, and whoever else looks to score on him down low.