Tensions flared during Game 1 of the NBA playoffs, between the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics, The incident in question involved Heat forward Caleb Martin and Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum, leaving fans and analysts divided.
Late in the fourth quarter, with the Heat trailing by a significant margin, Martin went up for a rebound against Tatum. As the two players jostled for position, Martin’s elbow collided with Tatum’s midsection, causing the Celtics star to crash to the floor. Tatum, known for his resilience, quickly got up and continued playing, but the play didn’t go unnoticed.
After the game Celtics legend and commentator, Brian Scalabrine didn’t mince words, and accused the Heat of intentionally targeting Tatum.
“Erik Spoelstra called a timeout with a minute and 30 seconds left, down by 16,” Scalabrine said. “Thirty seconds later, that play happens… I don’t know, man. That looks shady to me.”
“Erik Spoelstra called a timeout with a 1:30 left down by 16, 30 seconds later that play happens… that looked shady to me.”
Brian Scalabrine reacts to Caleb Martin’s foul on Jayson Tatum pic.twitter.com/XRchYpbOVh
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) April 21, 2024
Tatum himself downplayed the hit, characterizing it as “playoff basketball.” He acknowledged that physicality is part of the game, especially against tough opponents like the Heat.
