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Celtics vs Raptors: Jayson Tatum leads Boston to NBA Eastern Conference final, fans say 'heat ain't stoppin' him'

Tatum also became the second-youngest player in NBA history since Kobe Bryant to record 25+ PTS, 10+ REB, and five + AST in a Game 7

Jayson Tatum was the man for the Boston Celtics as they pipped the Toronto Raptors on Friday 92-87 to make it to the NBA Eastern Conference final where they take on the Miami Heat. Tatum added 29 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists and found solid support from Jaylen Brown chipping in with 21 points and eight rebounds, while Marcus Smart had 16 points, six assists, and three steals. Kyle Lowry was out in the final seconds of the game for fouling.

For a major part of the game, it was the classic pattern where the Celtics looked to break away with a lead only for the Raptors to breach the defense and narrow the gap. However, their efforts were overshadowed by Tatum who also became the second-youngest player in NBA History since Kobe Bryant to record 25+ PTS, 10+ REB, and five + AST in a Game 7. Celtics fans were clearly impressed and over the moon with the win and lauded Tatum for his scintillating performance. 

For some time, there were constant comparisons between Tatum and Raptors' Pascal Siakam. For some fans, this debate between who was better seems to be finally put to rest. "It hurts to admit, but I can say for a fact that Tatum is light years ahead of siakam. Can’t believe I thought otherwise," read one of the comments after the Celtics win. There was also an ominous warning by one of the fans to Miami: "Heat ain't stopping Tatum"

A majority of the fans blamed the Raptors for just not giving their best. "That play summed it up. They just didn't deserve the win. Too many turnovers, bad decisions, and general bad play," read one of the tweets. For the Raptors, Fred VanVleet was Toronto's leading scorer with 20 points. 

The Celtics fans in the meantime continued rejoice marking Tatum as the man for the future after his surgical performance. "23 year old Jaylen Brown, and 22 year old Jayson Tatum have led the Celtics to the ECF twice in the past 3 years. Destined for Greatness," read one of the tweets. There was another interesting stat by ESPN. After the win, Tatum became the 3rd player in NBA history to lead both teams outright in points, rebounds, and assists in a Game 7 and joined LeBron James and Larry Bird in that elite achievement list. 

There might have been the Jimmy Butler vs Tatum battle that started at the other end of Twitter town, but for now, it was all about that heartfelt thank-yous by fans. "Thank you, Marcus Smart. Thank you, Jayson Tatum. Eastern Finals here we go #BleedGreen" read one of the comments.

What are your thoughts on Tatum's game 7 heroics?