Jayson Tatum Sings Celtics' Fans Praises: 'They're a Big Part of What We Do'

Jayson Tatum nearly registered a triple-double in a sensational two-way performance in the Celtics' 110-97 win over the Heat in Game 5.

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After the Celtics' 112-88 win over the Sixers, on the heels of a historic 51-point performance, the most ever in a Game 7, Jayson Tatum opened up about his relationship with the Boston fan base.

"I can't express it enough: the genuine love that I feel from the crowd, whether it's pregame, during the game, (or) at the free-throw line. I've been here my whole career. I feel that they embrace me almost as one of their own; that means a lot.

"And I love being here. I love getting to put on this uniform. I love getting to play big games (and) put on big performances in front of them. And they feed off emotion and energy, and it's reciprocated. I can't express it enough: I just love being here. I love playing in front of this crowd."

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But while TD Garden's widely considered one of, if not the loudest building in the NBA, as the four-time All-Star admitted, that sometimes causes the Celtics to relax, resulting in a home record that improved to 11-11 in the last two postseasons with a 110-97 win in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. According to ESPN Stats & Info, that's the most home losses in a two-year playoff span.

"We got the best fans in the league... I was glad our performance matched the energy they were giving us"

Jayson Tatum talks about the importance of C's fans pic.twitter.com/tQ0XeNJBNA

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

"I'm just glad we gave them something to cheer about today," expressed Tatum, who finished with 21 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds, and two steals in Thursday's victory as Boston continues its march toward history.

"We got the best fans in the league, and up until today, in this series, we haven't given them much to cheer for at home. So, I was glad that our performance matched the energy that they were giving us, and obviously, they raise our level, and they're a big part of what we do, especially at home; we feed off of that a lot."

For the Celtics to keep their championship dreams alive, they'll have to survive Saturday in South Beach, then climb over .500 in the building that's been the most supportive and least successful for them in the last two postseasons.

Further Reading

Jaylen Brown Makes Guarantee Ahead of Game 6 Between Celtics and Heat: 'There's a First for Everything'

The Celtics Could've Folded and Flamed Out, Instead, They're Inching Closer to History: 'We're Not Going Down Like This'

Here's What Stood Out in Game 5 Win vs. Heat: Celtics Reconnecting to Swing Series Momentum

Film Room: Grant Williams' Value on Full Display in Celtics' Game 4 Win vs. Heat

Celtics Stars Speak on Team Sticking Together Down 3-0: 'We Didn't Want That to Define Us'

Celtics Discuss Returning to Identity Best Suiting Them in Game 4 Win: 'We're a Team That Believes in Us No Matter What'

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Here's What Stood Out in Game 4 Win vs. Heat: Celtics Get Back to Defensive Identity to Save Their Season

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