Jayson Tatum Shares His Reaction to Shorthanded Celtics Nearly Beating the Bucks

Tuesday night vs. the Bucks, the Celtics reinforced they're the deepest team in the NBA.

Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Tuesday night in Milwaukee, the Celtics were without Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart. The lone player from the starting lineup they utilize when healthy enough to do so, Robert Williams, came off the bench, logging 12:57 due to a left ankle sprain.

Despite having to contend with a Bucks team only missing Bobby Portis and trade-deadline acquisition Jae Crowder from their rotation under such challenging circumstances, Boston forced overtime and held a 123-118 lead with 2:13 left in the fifth frame before the hosts rallied for a 131-125 win.

In overtime, Williams only came in for the final play. Giannis Antetokounmpo, who generated 34 points, 13 rebounds, nine assists, and two blocks, played 45:55, the most he's been on the floor for a regular-season game since a Jan. 29, 2016, contest against the Heat, per Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe.

While the game wasn't a moral victory, and the Celtics don't see it as such, it was an impressive showing in which they reinforced they're the deepest team in the NBA this season.

And on the heels of Boston beating the Pistons 127-109 on Wednesday in the Celtics' last tilt before the All-Star break, Jayson Tatum, who registered 38 points and nine rebounds, game highs in both categories, and a team-best seven assists, shared his reaction to what happened the night before.

"I texted the group; told them I loved the way (that) they competed. I hated not being there, but I told them it was really fun to see the way (that) they played, the way they competed," adding, "I had all the faith in those guys from the start that they could win that game."

Further Reading

Celtics Discuss Marcus Smart's Return to the Lineup: 'I Think We Missed Him a Lot; We missed His Joy'

Here's What Stood Out in Celtics' Win vs. Pistons: Hosts Don't Let History Repeat Itself

Grant Williams Reportedly Seeking Contract In the $20 Million Annually Range

Jayson Tatum to Participate in 3-Point Contest at All-Star Weekend

Celtics Guard Wins NBA Player of the Week For First Time in Career After Massive Week

Mike Muscala on Celtics Debut: 'a Blessing, it was Fun'

Derrick White Discusses His Career Night and Matching a Celtics Franchise Record

Celtics Reportedly 'Engaged' with Several Potential Buyout Candidates