Jrue Holiday and Derrick White are already a stingy defensive pairing. Against the Miami Heat, the guard duo gave their team a major defensive boost. Jayson Tatum believes the backcourt tandem inspires him and his Boston Celtics teammates to perform at an elite level on the defensive end. Against the Heat, Tatum put a clear emphasis on guarding his yard and switching with purpose.
Following the game, the All-NBA forward credited White and Holiday for leading by example. Tatum also noted how he is trying to be one of the “best players in the world,” which entails being an elite defensive presence.
“Yeah, I think, with our team, especially sometimes when we go small, we have a lot of pride in guarding,” Tatum said. “We switch a lot. From guarding forwards to guards to point guards. Whatever Joe (Mazzulla) wants me to do on a nightly basis. And then, I think, just trying to be the best player I can.
Trying to be one of the best players in the world on both ends…When guys like Jrue and D-White are getting chase-down blocks. You don’t want to be the, I guess, the weak link out there. You want to hold your own. So, we challenge each other in a way.”
Throughout his career, Tatum’s most successful seasons have come when the Celtics boasted an elite defense. He understands the need to lock in on that side of the floor. As such, his goal of making an All-Defensive team this season is a logical one.
Celtics Lab 225: On Boston looking good to start the season and what they can do to get better with Yossi Gozlan https://t.co/AKf0Pa3OF0 pic.twitter.com/2ILO3KHS72
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) October 28, 2023
Following a summer of change, the Celtics are expected to challenge for an NBA championship. That can only happen if every player on their roster commits to playing high-level defense and taking pride in shutting teams down. With Holiday and White leading the way, Boston could be on the verge of something special. Judging by the team’s recent commitment to high-level defensive execution, it would appear they know that, too.
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