Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum shared the text message he sent Kobe Bryant before Game 7.
Jayson Tatum had Kobe Bryant on his mind ahead of the Celtics’ win-or-go-home Game 7 on Sunday evening.
The Boston Celtics were able to hold off the Miami Heat to advance to the NBA Finals. While there is no love lost between the Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers, Tatum did idolize Bryant growing up. He had a mentorship of sorts with Bryant before his untimely passing over two years ago. Tatum carries on Bryant’s legacy by implementing his own version of the Mamba Mentality.
Here is the text message Tatum sent to Bryant ahead of Game 7: “I got you today.”
Jayson Tatum reveals the text message he sent Kobe Bryant before Game 7
Is it a bit corny to share a screenshot of a text message you sent someone who is no longer with us? Yes, but we are never going to fully understand the relationship, or the impact for that matter, Bryant had on Tatum. The Celtics star may have grown up in a time when LeBron James was the best player in basketball, but Bryant will forever be a certain generation’s favorite NBA superstar.
Tatum was able to take home the newly-created Larry Bird Award with his 26-point performance in Game 7 on the road in Miami. While much will be made about Jimmy Butler attempting a 3-pointer with so much time on the clock down two, it is Tatum and the Celtics who are moving on. Tatum might be the best player on his team, but the Golden State Warriors are a huge problem.
Though Boston might match up well with Golden State on paper, the Warriors have so much NBA Finals experience on their side, it is unbelievable. This is the Celtics’ first trip to the finals in 12 years. They have not won an NBA Finals in 14 years. As far as Golden State is concerned, the Warriors are looking for their fourth league championship in six finals appearances throughout the entire Steve Kerr era.
Tatum may end up texting Bryant again at some point throughout the biggest series of his life.