Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd made a bold statement Saturday when he named Jaylen Brown the Boston Celtics’ best player, but opponents didn’t believe him.
Jayson Tatum and Al Horford, who played key roles in the Celtics’ Game 1 win over the Mavericks, believe Kidd tried to create a rift between the team’s stars.
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Dallas Mavericks coach Jason Kidd disputes a call during the first game of the NBA Finals against the Boston Celtics, Thursday, June 6, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Tatum said he “didn’t have any reaction” to Kidd’s comments, but he knew what Kidd was trying to do.
“This is a team sport. We understand that. We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t have JB (Jaylen Brown) on our team,” Tatum said. “That goes for a lot of guys. We all played a part to get to where we are. I understand people are going to try to put a rift between us. That’s a smart thing to do and something to try.”
“But we’ve been in this position for years. There are people trying to split us apart, saying one should be traded, one is better than the other. This is not the first time we’ve experienced this.”
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Celtics’ Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown talk during practice and media availability for the NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 8, 2024 in Boston. (Garrett Elwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
Horford said Kidd was “despicable.”
“Jai Kidd,” Horford said with a smile. “He knows what he’s doing. He knows what he’s doing.”
Brown led Boston with 22 points in a 107-89 Game 1 victory on Thursday night, but it was the returning Kristaps Porzingis who really gave the team the impetus.
Porzingis came off the bench to score 20 points in 21 minutes, shooting 8-of-13 from the field.
Tatum contributed to the win, finishing with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
Celtics guard Jaylen Brown, left, celebrates with center Al Horford as the Celtics lead the Dallas Mavericks during Game 1 of the NBA Finals, Thursday, June 6, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
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Game 2 is scheduled for Sunday at 8pm ET.
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