The Boston Celtics dropped Game 6 to the Philadelphia 76ers 106-93 on Thursday night at Xfinity Mobile Arena, but Jayson Tatum made clear afterward that the series is far from defined by momentum alone. The series is now tied and returns to Boston for Game 7.
Tatum credited Boston’s bench for shifting the energy late in the game, even as the Celtics struggled to sustain offense earlier. “That wasn’t working that the bench guys were able to do in the fourth quarter. I mean, give those guys credit,” he said.
He emphasized their pace and ball movement as a reminder of identity. “They just had good pop, good pace. They were moving the ball well, getting downhill, kicking it out. So they were just playing Celtics basketball,” Tatum said.
The All-Star forward added that the late push influenced the group on the floor. “I think it was inspiring to the starting group to get back to playing how we’re accustomed to,” he said.
Boston now faces a decisive Game 7, and Tatum framed the situation as straightforward. “Just to respond. Each series takes on a life of its own. It’s ups and downs,” he said. “Now we’re at the final game where it’s win or go home.”
Tatum noted that playoff experience across the roster should matter in a moment like this. “A lot of us have been in this situation before, game seven. So it should be a fun one,” he said.
The Celtics star also clarified a brief exit during the third quarter, explaining it as a precautionary moment rather than a setback. “My leg just was a little stiff when I came out in the third quarter,” he said.
He added that the timing of his treatment aligned with rotation decisions. “We took the starters out and let the bench guys go in,” Tatum said.
When asked about Boston’s offensive direction in the series, Tatum acknowledged a deviation from its usual pace-based structure. “Yeah, a little bit,” he said. “We just got to be a little bit more together, a little tougher. Play with more pace, play faster.”
He stressed that execution details are central to the adjustment. “You got to do everything tougher. Screen tougher, catch the ball with more pace, have a little more intention,” Tatum said.
Despite recent losses, Tatum rejected any frustration about the series reaching its final game. “Bummed that it’s gone to seven? No,” he said. “I get another opportunity to play the game that I love.”
He added context around his availability and perspective after missing significant time earlier in his career. “I was out for 50 weeks. I wasn’t able to play basketball,” Tatum said. “So I’m thankful that we have another opportunity.”
Looking ahead to Game 7, Tatum kept the message simple. “The mindset is do whatever it takes to win,” he said. “Just be ready to compete and have fun.”
Boston now returns home with the series tied, with both teams entering a winner-take-all Game 7 defined by execution, pace, and response under playoff pressure.
