Why Jayson Tatum refuses to underestimate 76ers after Game 1 beatdown
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum could've put a little salt in the wounds of the Philadelphia 76ers after a Game 1 blowout. But, he did the opposite.
BOSTON — Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has battled the rival Philadelphia 76ers a lot in his NBA career. So, one would think that he might tease them a bit after a win, especially a 123-91 blowout in Game 1 of a first-round playoff series. However, following the wire-to-wire victory on Sunday afternoon, Tatum did the opposite.
The six-time All-Star, who finished with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists in just 32 minutes against the Sixers, had high praise for his opponents. He recognized that they were missing star center Joel Embiid due to surgery recovery and that they still have talent with stars like point guard Tyrese Maxey and forward Paul George. Jayson Tatum had high praise for the Sixers despite the blowout: “They’re not a traditional 7th seed.
They’re a really, really talented team. ” “Nick Nurse is a championship coach…So you have to show them that respect. ” pic.
twitter. com/gNTQPNMrWa — Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) April 19, 2026 "Philly has had guys miss some time, (so) that they're not a traditional seventh seed, they're a really, really talented team, great coaching staff," Tatum complimented postgame. "Nick Nurse is a championship coach.