After guiding Boston Celtics to a win in the NBA Eastern Conference finals, MVP Jayson Tatum shared an image of text by him to his late idol Kobe Bryant
We take a look at the relationship between two great players.
Tatum was a big reason why the Celtics made it to the NBA finals for the first time since 2010. With a 100–96 victory in Miami, Boston sealed a Finals berth. Tatum had 26 points, 10 rebounds, and six assists.
Tatum and the Celtics will now meet the Warriors in the NBA Finals, where the Boston star will try to draw inspiration from the late great Bryant. The NBA Finals begin on Thursday night. The game will begin at 9 p.m. ET from the Chase Center in San Francisco.
Jayson Tatum Reveals Message He Sent To Kobe Bryant Ahead Of Game 7
Jayson Tatum’s Instagram Post, Text to Kobe Bryant, and Connection with Kobe
"𝐈 𝐠𝐨𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲."
Jayson Tatum texted Kobe Bryant before Game 7 🐍 @jaytatum0 pic.twitter.com/Undug3WsB9
— ESPN (@espn) May 30, 2022
In a joyful Instagram post early Monday morning, Tatum shared an image of the text, hours after he and the Boston Celtics advanced to the NBA Finals by winning Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals on the road against the Miami Heat.
Tatum scored 26 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while wearing a purple and yellow No. 24 armband. Before Game 7, Tatum, who won the Larry Bird Trophy as the series’ MVP, said he viewed Bryant highlights. When Tatum initially entered the NBA, he formed a friendship with Bryant, and the two had worked out together in the offseason during the Celtics star’s first two seasons in the league.
On the court, Tatum may resemble Kobe Bryant at times. Tatum, like Bryant, can knock shots from all over the court and isn’t afraid to draw up with a defender in his face. Late in the fourth quarter, he made several massive baskets.
Impact of Kobe on Tatum, Role in Growth, and Tatum’s gesture towards Kobe
Bryant was Tatum’s favorite player growing up, and the late Lakers great was texted by Jayson Tatum before of the crucial Game 7 clash on Sunday night. “I got you today,” Tatum texted Bryant’s phone. He most definitely did.
“How much does it mean to you?” Tatum also said on Instagram. When the two were exercising together a few years ago, Kobe stated this to him. When Bryant died unexpectedly in a helicopter crash over two years ago, Tatum was one of many who lost a mentor. Tatum and Kobe spent a lot of time together. Bryant inspired the Celtics player to name his pet after him. During Game 7, he also paid respect to Kobe with one of his accessories.
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