Boston Celtics: Jayson Tatum gives love to 3 teammates after Miami win
The Boston Celtics marched into South Beach on October 21 and did what they did during the 2022 Eastern Conference finals: beat the Miami Heat. For the second straight game, the Cs covered the spread with breathing room, knocking off a supposed Eastern Conference contender by at least 7 points.
Joe Mazzulla has the team completely cohesive on and off the court. Even with 19 turnovers to 9 for Miami and 5 more fouls than the Heat had, his Celtics came away with a victory. Stripping the interim label is a conversation that will continue to garner momentum if things continue this way.
As for the off-the-court cohesion, the Cs saw plenty of it in the post-game media scrum following their 111-104 win at the FTX Arena on Friday night. Jayson Tatum, who had 29 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists against Miami, was highly complimentary of several role players who helped make the win happen (h/t MassLive).
Jayson Tatum on Boston Celtics reserves Noah Vonleh and Sam Hauser
“Vonleh’s been big,” Tatum said following a 4-point, 5-rebound effort in 14 minutes from Noah Vonleh. “And I’m happy for Sam. Sam worked his ass off this summer to get an opportunity and make the most of it when his number is called.” Hauser knocked down a pair of 3-pointers in his 13 minutes of floor-time.
Jayson Tatum on Boston Celtics sixth man Malcolm Brogdon
“Brogdon, to have him as a backup is special,” Tatum said. “He’s sacrificing to come off the bench to make us a better team and it’s showing. He’s coming in and being aggressive on both ends. He’s somebody who knows how to play the right way and he’s been very impactful in the first two games.” Malcolm Brogdon had a well-balanced effort, scoring 7 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and dishing 3 dimes during 25 minutes off the pine — a team-high for the second unit along with Grant Williams.