The Boston Celtics are one quarter away from tying the series and forcing Game 7 in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Miami Heat. And they have superstar Jayson Tatum to thank for it.
Tatum had an incredible 25 points in the first half as the Celtics took a 57-53 lead. But there was one play in particular that convinced fans that he’s playing like Kobe Bryant right now.
In the second quarter, Tatum helped the Celtics take a seven-point lead over the Heat on a fadeaway jumper that sailed over the heads of two Heat stars into the net.
Ever since that play, fans have been taking to Twitter to declare that Tatum is doing his best Kobe impression on the court tonight.
Kobe still alive on Jayson Tatum https://t.co/HuBN6U36Nt
— Banner18 For Bill Russell (@ibleedgreen613) May 28, 2023
Jayson Tatum ou Kobe Bryant?pic.twitter.com/x3kH73gZme
— NBA da Deprê (@NBAdadepre_) May 28, 2023
Jayson Tatum lookin like Kobe with the fadeaway 👀 pic.twitter.com/IjXfeWsh8U
— NBA Lowdown (@NBALowdown) May 28, 2023
Jayson Tatum had a dream with Kobe last night. He not losing this game for nothing
— LLS🕊 JEFE 🇩🇴 (@jefrey__) May 28, 2023
As of writing, Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals is entering the fourth quarter. Jayson Tatum and the Celtics lead 79-72.
If they can hold on for just one more quarter, the Celtics will be one game away from completing the greatest series comeback in NBA history.
A few more Kobe-esque fadeaways will go a long way towards making that a reality.