Jayson Tatum Reflects On Big Change After Celtics Advance In Playoffs

Celtics fans might have noticed Jayson Tatum carrying himself a bit differently this season.

Tatum quickly went from a promising youngster on superstar-laden teams in his early years in Boston to the clear-cut No. 1 option. With the shift in role came mounting pressure, as the Celtics in their most recent seasons had very few — if any — excuses not to win an NBA championship.

The 27-year-old finally reached the mountaintop last season when he helped lead Boston to its 18th title in franchise history. And now, with basketball’s most coveted accolade under his belt, Tatum seemingly is playing with more pure joy than ever.

“This season was the most relaxed and carefree that I’ve been in my career, understanding that we won last year and we accomplished the ultimate goal and you kind of got that monkey off your back,” Tatum told reporters Tuesday after Boston’s series-clinching win over Orlando, per ESPN. “So obviously the goal is still the same this year to win and compete for a championship, but I’ve just enjoyed this season of playing carefree basketball and not having that hang over my head. It’s been fun to do and just a sense of freedom. I’ve just carried the season with that.”

Tatum added: “It just kind of allows me to focus on the task ahead. I’m not worried about trying to prove anybody wrong or anything like that. Just understanding I know what I’m capable of, I know what we are when we play a certain way. We’ve shown that. So it’s all about getting to that level.”

Tatum’s remarks certainly should not be confused with resting on his laurels. After missing Game 2 of the Celtics’ first-round series against the Magic, the six-time All-Pro took control of the best-of-seven set by ripping off three straight performances of 35 points or more. Tatum showed off his killer instinct Tuesday when he was two rebounds shy of a triple-double in Boston’s clincher at TD Garden.

The Celtics franchise cornerstone will look to maintain his highly motivated yet relaxed approach in the Eastern Conference semifinals. The reigning champions will square off with either the New York Knicks or the Detroit Pistons.