Jayson Tatum Reflects on Playing Against Former Teammate

Winning a championship builds bonds that can never be broken. Whether players are together for multiple seasons or just one glorious run, the friendships and camaraderie that are built during a championship run are special. 

The Boston Celtics 2024 NBA Championship is no exception. They had a dominant season from start to finish, and while not everyone from that team remains in a Celtics uniform, their friendships and bonds will never be broken. 

The remaining Celtics from that championship team got to take on one of their former teammates on Wednesday night when Boston took on the Golden State Warriors. The Celtics beat the hobbled Warriors handily. After the game, Jayson Tatum spoke about what it was like playing against his old teammate, Kristaps Porzingis. 

"It was cool, man. I miss the big fella. Happy to see him healthy, happy to see him out there playing. It was cool to see the reception that he got tonight and his tribute video… He'll forever be a Celtic and remembered for those two years, and obviously, being a big piece of why we won a championship. Every guy that was on that championship team, we're bonded for life, so it's always good to see KP."

Even though Porzingis only played two seasons for the Celtics, he made a big impact. He dealt with health issues throughout his tenure in Boston, but when things mattered most, he was able to help them win a championship.

Because he has etched his name in Celtics history, he will always receive a warm welcome when heading back to Boston.