“Jaylen’s their best player,” Kidd remarked on June 8. “Looking at what he does defensively, he picked up Luka full court, got to the free throw line, he did everything, and that’s what your best player does.”
Kidd’s remark was a clear attempt to ruffle Tatum, who is almost universally regarded as Boston’s premier player. The Mavericks’ coach was trying to get under Tatum’s skin, hoping to provoke a reaction where Tatum would dominate the ball more in Game Two, taking more shots to counter Kidd’s claim. In Game One, Tatum managed only 16 points on 6-of-16 shooting. The Mavericks likely hope he’ll force his play and miss, thus helping them win.
However, Kidd’s tactic is unlikely to achieve its goal. Tatum has faced such narratives before and is accustomed to handling them. This attempt at psychological warfare won’t be the last, especially if the NBA Finals continue on the same trend as Game One.
*Tatum Responds to Kidd
Following Kidd’s comments, Tatum had his own media session. Reporters asked him about Kidd’s remarks, and his response was composed and professional.
“We understand that people try to drive a wedge between us,” Tatum stated on June 8. “I guess that’s a smart thing for Jason to try to do. But we’ve been in this position for many years, with people trying to divide us, saying that one of us should be traded and one’s better than the other. So it’s not the first time.”
Brown also addressed the media, largely dismissing Kidd’s comment.
“It’s a team game, and we’re trying to focus on that,” Brown said. “And, you know, everybody has their own opinions.”
Veteran center Al Horford smiled when he heard about Kidd’s comment.
“Jason Kidd, I see what he’s doing,” Horford remarked. “Jaylen Brown is an unbelievable player. Very special for us.”
Brown and Tatum have formed a formidable duo since 2016. The Celtics were 47-17 this season when both were on the court. Boston is 13-2 this postseason and is just three wins away from securing their first championship since 2008.
**Porzingis Shines in Return to Floor**
Tatum is averaging 25.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 1.0 steals per game in the playoffs. Brown’s stats are equally impressive, averaging 24.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 steals. However, neither player had as significant an impact in Game One as Kristaps Porzingis.
Returning after a 10-game absence due to a calf strain, Porzingis came off the bench on a minutes restriction. He quickly found his rhythm, scoring 11 points in his first 6 minutes on the floor in the first quarter. Porzingis set the tone early and finished with 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
Postgame, Porzingis shared his approach to his return.
“So whether it’s playoffs, regular season or whatever, I know how to do this,” Porzingis said on June 6. “That’s it, just having that confidence, going out there whatever, first round or finals, just going out there with full confidence and giving what I have to the team.”
Game Two will again take place at Boston’s TD Garden. Brown, Porzingis, and Tatum aim to secure a 2-0 series lead before the series shifts to Dallas for Games Three and Four. They are determined not to let Kidd’s comments distract them from their goal of replicating their Game One dominance.
Collin Loring covers the NBA, WNBA, and MLB for Heavy.com and has contributed since 2021. His sports coverage has also appeared at FanSided, Elite Sports NY, and The Strickland. More about Collin Loring
