The Boston Celtics won an NBA championship for the first time since 2008 on Monday night, and few players seemed more overwhelmed by the moment than former Duke basketball star [autotag]Jayson Tatum[/autotag].
The three-time First Team All-NBA forward and the third overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft scored 31 points and added 11 assists in the clinching victory.
The most interesting part of his night, however, came as he walked off the court. He wore a tiny microphone for the game, and the NBA released some audio of the former Blue Devil soaking it all in. He spent more of his sideline celebration in emotional silence, congratulated by coach Joe Mazzulla and teammate Al Horford.
“You’re a champ,” Horford repeated as he wrapped his arms around Tatum’s shoulders, the team’s star bent over with his head in his hands.
Tatum also shared a special moment with his six-year-old son, Deuce, as he lifted his son into the air with confetti raining down.
Jayson Tatum was mic'd up as he won his first NBA Championship.
It was unreal. 🔊💚 pic.twitter.com/v8yWX4QeNg
— NBA (@NBA) June 18, 2024
Tatum now becomes one of eight Duke basketball alums with an NBA title, arguably cementing his legacy as the greatest Blue Devil in league history.