Despite getting blown out in Game 4 by the Dallas Mavericks, the Boston Celtics are still very much in the driver’s seat for the 2024 NBA Finals as they own a 3-1 series lead with Game 5 back home.
The Celtics waltzed through the Eastern Conference during the 2024 NBA playoffs and now find themselves just one win away from earning the franchise’s 18th banner.
Boston has been the most well-rounded and consistent team throughout the year and they’re led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, who have been having strong postseasons.
Tatum in particular has shown tremendous growth both on and off the floor and has allowed the game to flow in front of him more organically than ever before.
The Celtics superstar hasn’t been putting on massive scoring performances during the Finals, but he’s come up huge in plenty of key moments.
Grant Hill made a bold claim about Tatum that might have some fans doing a double take, via NBA TV.
“If they’re able to win this series… I’ll say that Jayson Tatum is the greatest Duke basketball player of all-time this century,” Hill said.
.@realgranthill33: “If they’re able to win this series… I’ll say that Jayson Tatum is the greatest @DukeMBB player of all-time this century.” 🔥 pic.twitter.com/k2AWLwDst8
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 15, 2024
Hill, like Tatum, is a Duke alum and the program has produced several All-Star and high-level role players in the past few decades.
However, Hill’s comments about Tatum being the best Blue Devil during the 21st century falls a little flat considering that removes a lot of players that came before him.
The closest ones to Tatum are likely Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram, though those two don’t have nearly the same resume that Tatum does.
Regardless, Tatum is incredibly close to capturing his first NBA title and it’ll be interesting to see if Boston gets the job done in Game 5.
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