Caleb Martin Comments on Collision With Jayson Tatum

Jack Simone | Apr 21, 2024

Apr 21, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives to the / Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

With roughly a minute to go in the fourth quarter in Game 1 of the Boston Celtics’ first-round series against the Miami Heat forward, chaos ensued.

As Jayson Tatum soared for a rebound, Caleb Martin ran into him. He undercut Tatum, causing the Celtics superstar to come crashing down onto his back, nearly smacking his head against the ground.

Celtics guard Jrue Holiday checked Martin on his way toward the basket, causing Martin’s momentum to carry him into Tatum.

Once Tatum hit the ground, Martin attempted to help him up, but Jaylen Brown slapped his hand out of the way. The two players got into an altercation, picking up double technicals. Meanwhile, Tatum got up quickly and walked down to the other end of the court, seemingly brushing off the incident.

After the game, Martin shared his thoughts on how the events unfolded. (H/t Bobby Manning of CLNS Media)

“Nothing,” Martin said when asked what went down in the commotion. “I mean, he’s [Brown] just— [It was a] hard foul [and] he’s trying to stick up for his teammate. I don’t know. I tried to go help him up. Obviously, I go a— I just heard him hit the floor.

“Obviously, I knew I hit him pretty hard, but momentum was carrying me. I didn’t think I got pushed into that direction. But, hard foul. Tried to pick him up. It’s just what it is. [If] Jimmy was on the floor, I’m sure I would have done the same thing, I’m sure. It’s just what it is.

Caleb Martin explains what happened after he fouled Jayson Tatum: “I know I hit him pretty hard, but momentum was carrying me.”

Said he tried to help Tatum up and Brown entered to defend him. pic.twitter.com/9lIa7YYEQY

— Bobby Manning (@RealBobManning) April 21, 2024

Tatum wasn’t upset about the foul after the game, chalking up to the physicality of postseason basketball. “It’s not the last time I’m probably going to get hit like that or fouled in this series,” Tatum said.

Further Reading

Celtics Bench Stars in Its Role in Game 1 Win vs. Heat: 'An Identity of Our Team'

Jayson Tatum Discusses First-Career Playoff Triple-Double: 'A Beautiful Game'

Celtics Protect the Parquet in Dominant Display in Game 1 vs. Heat

Kristaps Porzingis Makes Clear What Celtics' Mindset is Entering Playoffs

How do the Heat Adapt Without Jimmy Butler? Joe Mazzulla Weighs in

'I Knew It': Jaylen Brown Discusses Celtics Drawing Heat in Round 1

Brad Stevens Addresses Potential Extension with Derrick White