Jayson Tatum Shares His View on the Celtics’ Identity

Jayson Tatum scored a game-high 34 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in the Celtics' victory over the Knicks.

Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Celtics wing Jayson Tatum starred in the team's regular-season opener against the New York Knicks on Wednesday night. He scored a team-high 34 points and converted 13 of his 22 field-goal attempts, and the Celtics went on to win by a final score of 108-104.

After the game, Tatum shared his view on the Celtics' identity.

"Us getting close the last two years... allows guys to buy in more"

Jayson Tatum talks the team's identity pic.twitter.com/fdlT2Jv7Gk

— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) October 26, 2023

"I think us getting close the last two years and not getting over that hump allows guys to buy in more," he said. "With the mindset of just doing whatever each individual needs to do to make the team better."

Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis and defensive-minded guard Jrue Holiday also played at a high level in their regular-season debuts with the team. The former scored 30 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and blocked four shots, while the latter finished with nine points and three blocks.

The Celtics will take on an Eastern Conference rival in Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat at home on Friday with the aim of improving their record to 2-0 on the season.

Further Reading

Kristaps Porzingis on What He Showed Teammates in Win vs. Knicks: 'I'll Be There'

Jrue Holiday on Celtics' Opening Night Victory vs. Knicks: 'Winning is Our Only Option'

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Win vs. Knicks: Porzingis Leads Late Rally to Propel Boston

Jaylen Brown Discusses Opening Night, Importance of Clarity, Motivation, and Learning from Celtics' Legends

Jaylen Brown Teams with Johnny Cupcakes to Give Back to Boston

Rajon Rondo Latest Former Celtic to Spend Time with C's

Celtics Embracing Sacrifice in Championship Pursuit: 'Have to Buy into That'

Al Horford Shares Where Kristaps Porzingis Has Impressed Him Most

Under Joe Mazzulla, Celtics Rebuilding Brotherhood Between Past and Present

Candace Parker on Celtics Trading Marcus Smart, Maximizing Tatum-Brown Tandem, Pat Summitt, and the Sports Matter Initiative

Here's What to Know About Celtics' 2023-24 Schedule

Dwyane Wade Discusses Jayson Tatum's Next Step, Him and Jaylen Brown's Challenge, Heat Culture, Pat Riley, Damian Lillard, and Life After Basketball