Jayson Tatum does not hide it, he is ready to do anything to finish champion in 2021-22. To do this, he unveiled one of his strategies for approaching Golden State, and it is seen rather well. It thus involves LeBron James, one of the rare executioners of the Dubs in the Finals…
So far, Jayson Tatum and the Celtics really have nothing to complain about in this Finals against the Warriors. After three games, they are the ones leading the dance (2-1) and they could even make the break by winning in the fourth set. It would be essential for them to achieve this, since the series would be completely revived if Stephen Curry & co. equalized. Especially since Bean Town would once again lose home advantage…
Beyond the pressure of the result, the former Dukie knows, however, that this duel will also be won mentally, and that you must therefore be determined as ever in order to lift the Larry O’Brien trophy. The approach taken by him in this case: to observe what the legends of the orange ball before him have done, and in particular LeBron James. As he recently explained to ESPN, a precise Laker post-season game serves as a source of motivation against the Californians. He had already drawn on it against the defending champion:
LeBron version 2012, an inspiration for Jayson Tatum
From watching Kobe highlights before big games, to initially wanting to name “Deuce” something else, to his relationship with Jaylen Brown.
An insightful, fascinating conversation with Jayson Tatum on NBA Today: pic.twitter.com/oH7Etu315n
– Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) June 9, 2022
I had already done it against Milwaukee, I remember we were down 3-2 in Milwaukee and we went to game six. I remember watching LeBron’s highlights in 2012, when he was down 3-2 against Boston. It was one of the best things I’ve ever seen. So when I found myself in those conditions, I watched movies and videos of guys who did it before me, guys I looked up to.
On June 7, 2012, the King had indeed released one of the most legendary performances in the history of the playoffs, with no less than 45 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists to force a Game 7 that the Heat will win. After this all-time outing, the quadruple MVP went for his first career ring against the Thunder, a success that JT absolutely wants to imitate. In any case, taking inspiration from the winger is a good way to achieve this, given his trophy cabinet.
One could also add that it is quite relevant to study LBJ insofar as the C’s face Golden State, since he is one of the few players to have overcome the Dubs in the Finals. Analyzing their series against the Cavs in 2016 could therefore be a good idea, the core of the team then not having changed one iota. It does not guarantee the final victory, but all means are good to subdue the opponent, at this stage of the competition.
Taking inspiration from LeBron James in 2011-12 was Jayson Tatum’s approach to coming out on top against the Warriors. Exactly 10 years after the first coronation of the Chosen One, the symbolism would in any case be very strong.
