The Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic have danced this dance before—but never quite like this.
When the ball tips Sunday afternoon, it won’t just be about seeds or stats. It’s about a mentor facing his protégé, about legacy clashing with ambition, about a quiet bond that now turns competitive. Jayson Tatum vs. Paolo Banchero. And only one moves forward.
The Tatum Effect Is Real
Banchero has been following Tatum’s footsteps for years. The shoes? Same signature line. The summer workouts? Full of Tatum’s guidance. The connection? Deep—built through Celtics assistant Amile Jefferson, Banchero’s former coach at Duke and one of Tatum’s closest friends.
The advice Banchero received early was simple but foundational.
“Coming in, just because you’re a high pick, you’re probably going to have more stuff handed to you than the regular person, but you can’t take on that attitude. You have to work for everything… nobody’s going to hand you anything. You’ve got to go out and take it.”
— Banchero via Bobby Manning, Boston Sports Journal
Banchero listened—and delivered. After a breakout season, he’s brought Orlando from play-in hope to playoff threat. But the Celtics? They’re not here for participation trophies.
A Season of Separation for Tatum
Tatum’s year has been elite. Historic, even. He’s now the only Celtic besides Larry Bird to lead the team in total points, rebounds, assists, and steals in multiple seasons. via Celtics on X
The Celtics finished with 61 wins. A league-best offense. A top-three defense. They’re not defending last year’s banner—they’re chasing their next one.
And when Tatum did play against Orlando this season? He made it clear who’s who: 26 points and a statement win.
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
Boston’s chasing history. Trying to become the first back-to-back champs since the 2017–18 Warriors. Orlando? Still trying to prove they belong.
But there’s no animosity between the stars—just mutual respect sharpened by competition.
“I’ve known Jayson since I was going into college… the best way for me to show my respect is to give him my best effort and go at him as much as I can.”
— Paolo Banchero via Brett James on X
Tatum respects it. But he’s not here to get sentimental.
“It’s the playoffs. No friends out there. Nothing else matters except doing everything I can to help my team.”
— Tatum via Noa Dalzell on X
Ready for War
Boston enters as heavy favorites. Home court. Experience. Depth. Championship DNA. Orlando brings hunger, youth, and no fear.
But this isn’t about roles anymore. It’s about who delivers when it matters most.
“We not defending a championship—we won that last year. Can’t nobody take that from us.”
— Tatum via Celtics CLNS
And for Tatum, it’s clear: the past is the past. The focus is now.
“We’re not worried about anyone but the Magic right now.”
— Tatum via Bobby Manning
