Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has expressed his dislike for a controversial rule in the NBA’s in-season tournament format. Following the Celtics’ defeat to the Orlando Magic on Friday, where the Magic continued to run up the score despite having a comfortable lead, Tatum voiced his displeasure with the point differential rule.
In the tournament, point differential serves as a tiebreaker for pool play, incentivizing teams to win by larger margins. Tatum criticized this aspect, particularly in situations where the outcome of the game is already decided, and teams continue to score. He emphasized the importance of respecting the game and opponents, suggesting that running up the score in such instances lacks sportsmanship.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla acknowledged considering this rule during the game against the Magic but ultimately prioritized the long-term health of the team over risking a higher point differential. The Celtics’ 17-point loss to the Magic affected their point differential, impacting their chances of advancing past the group stage in the tournament.
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While Tatum disagrees with certain elements of the in-season tournament format, he remains a fan of the overall event. He appreciates the unique court designs for each home team and acknowledges the excitement it brings for fans early in the season. However, with the Celtics needing a significant victory against the Chicago Bulls and favorable results from other teams to advance, Tatum recognizes the challenges and complexities associated with the tournament’s format.
As the Celtics navigate the in-season tournament, Tatum’s concerns shed light on the ongoing debates surrounding the tournament’s rules and their impact on player behavior and sportsmanship.
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