Well-versed and all too familiar with the physicality and chippiness associated with his rivalry against the Miami Heat, Jayson Tatum wasn’t one to shy away when the time came to deliver a forceful message of his own. Presented with a chance to exploit a 5-on-4 advantage against Miami’s defense if his move is decisive enough, Tatum works quickly and powerfully, exploding out of a cannon down the left wing and into the paint. Unwilling to halt his progress with Caleb Martin positioning himself for a charge attempt, the Boston Celtics star takes flight, extending through the air for a tenacious one-handed tomahawk flush in traffic, sending both Martin to the floor and the crowd into a stunned silence. Even on a night highlighted by his teammate’s historic offensive output, the five-time All-Star remained both versatile and capable when his number was called, filling the statistical ledger with 20 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, and a pair of 3-point buckets. Successfully pushing their archrivals to the brink of elimination with a convincing Game Four victory, the Celtics charged to a 3-1 series edge with their victory on April 29, 2024. · Apr 29, 2024