Jayson Tatum: When I’m Having Fun, That’s When I Play My Best

Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics opened up about his mental approach leading up to the team’s triumphant Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers (Source).

“I think going into Game 6, I was too – it sounds crazy – I was like too locked in,” Tatum admitted after the series-deciding victory. “I was too tight, just too in my own head thinking about what do I need to do? How many points do I gotta score? You know, this is a big moment. And today, I was more myself. Yesterday, pregame, I was relaxed, laughing, joking. And that’s when I play my best – when I’m having fun."

Tatum figured out that pressure only exists if you let it affect you, a realization that came to him about four minutes before the end of the previous game at the Wells Fargo Center. At that point, Tatum, having made only 1 of 14 shots and scored just three points, went on to outscore the Sixers for the entire quarter. It was a moment that provided Tatum with a fresh perspective.

"I think, coming off of the last game, obviously I finished strong but didn’t start off the way I wanted. Especially with our season being on the line last game, I was just excited – we had another opportunity today as a team," Tatum said. "Even for myself, just to bounce back. I was relieved, I was happy about that. Just to get another chance. Our season could’ve been over in Game 6. Being in another Game 7, being able to come back home in front of our fans. I was really excited just for the moment to come out here and play today.”