The Celtics are through to the NBA Finals after defeating the Heat in seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals. Jayson Tatum was the top scorer for the winners in the final game of the series with 26 points.
During Game 7 the 24-year-old small forward wore an armband with number “24” on it. He explained after the game that it was dedicated to his favorite player – Kobe Bryant.
“That was my idol, that was my inspiration, that was my favorite player,” Tatum said. “The shoes I’ve been wearing the last couple of games were dedicated to him. Today before I took my nap, I do it sometimes, I was watching some film and some moments from him and his career. This is the biggest game of my career thus far. I wanted to wear that armband to honor him and kinda share that moment.”
Boston will face Golden State in the Finals. The last time that the Celtics went this far into postseason was back in 2008 when they won a title. Meanwhile, the Warriors return to this stage after a two-year break.
