Jayson Tatum is enjoying watching “good basketball” during his offseason.
The Celtics superstar watched the Knicks’ “pretty special” comeback win in Game 4 of the NBA Finals – but he’s not directly supporting either team.
The Celtics star said he was not rooting for either team in the NBA Finals. Getty Images
“I’m not rooting for anybody, I’m also not rooting against anybody,” Tatum told Front Office Sports Thursday about the series, which the Knicks now lead 3-1.
Advertisement
After trailing by 29 points on Wednesday, New York staged a historic rally to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat, capped off by OG Anunoby’s tip-in with one second left in regulation.
The Knicks have been a thorn in Tatum’s side recently, as New York eliminated his Celtics in a thrilling six-game Eastern Conference Semifinals last season.
The series also carried heartbreak for the six-time All-Star, who suffered a torn right Achilles tendon in Game 4, ending his season and keeping him out for a significant portion of the 2025-26 campaign.
Tatum played in 16 regular-season games this season after rehabbing from a torn right Achillies tendon. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post
The 28-year-old, who returned for 16 regular-season games this season, said his prior success makes watching the Finals an easier pill to swallow.
Advertisement
Tatum helped lead the Celtics to the franchise’s NBA record 18th championship against the Mavericks in 2024.
“I think it does help that I’ve won a championship already,” Tatum added. “So it helps me sleep a little better at night. I just enjoy watching good basketball games.”
A calf injury kept Tatum out of the Celtics’ Game 7 matchup against the Sixers, which Boston lost 109-100 – which denied him an opportunity for an Eastern Conference Semifinals rematch against New York.
