Shaquille O’Neal recently spoke out in defense of Jayson Tatum’s celebratory actions following the Boston Celtics’ NBA championship victory. Critics had accused Tatum of lacking originality, claiming he “stole” celebration moves from iconic figures like Kobe Bryant, Stephen Curry, and even Kanye West. However, Shaq disagreed with this viewpoint, suggesting that Tatum’s actions were not about copying but rather paying homage to the legends who inspired him.
Shaq emphasized that Tatum, likely remembering these memorable championship moments from his childhood, was honoring his idols by replicating their celebrations. Tatum’s gestures included holding the championship trophy in a manner reminiscent of Kobe Bryant and mimicking Kevin Garnett’s signature moves. Shaq viewed these actions as a respectful tribute to the greats rather than a sign of unoriginality.
Shaq further commented that the most important aspect was Tatum finally winning a championship. Despite finding the finals boring, Shaq acknowledged the emotional significance of the moment for Tatum and the Celtics. Whether the celebrations were original or not, they marked a meaningful and emotional milestone in Tatum’s career and the team’s history.
In another context, Jayson Tatum’s championship run was a powerful response to his critics. Despite an impressive playoff resume, Tatum had often been overlooked due to his “unflashy” style of play and lack of overt dominance. However, Tatum’s diverse contributions in scoring, rebounding, playmaking, and defense proved vital to the Celtics’ success.
Tatum’s playoff stats are particularly noteworthy. He has scored more playoff points before his 27th birthday than any other player in NBA history and ranks in the top 10 for playoff assists, rebounds, steals, blocks, and three-pointers. Additionally, Tatum has led the Celtics to more regular and postseason wins than any other team since 2017, highlighting his consistent impact on the team.
Despite his selfless and understated approach to the game, Tatum’s performance has been crucial in securing the Celtics’ championship win. While his style may not attract individual accolades, his legacy is firmly established with this championship victory. The triumph underscores Tatum’s importance to the Celtics and cements his status as a pivotal player in the NBA.
