Kendrick Perkins makes loud Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum claim during Celtics-Knicks series
Context:
The Boston Celtics are struggling in their playoff series against the New York Knicks, having lost both games despite holding substantial leads. Former NBA star Kendrick Perkins expressed skepticism about the Celtics' ability to reverse their fortunes, particularly emphasizing the pressure on star players Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. Perkins remarked that the series is a legacy-defining moment for the duo, who are expected to lead the charge if the Celtics hope to keep their championship hopes alive. The upcoming game is crucial as the team faces immense pressure to regroup and find their rhythm against a confident Knicks team. The Celtics, reigning champions, are on the brink of being swept if they cannot secure a victory, highlighting the significance of the moment for Brown and Tatum's careers.
Dive Deeper:
The Boston Celtics have had a rough start in their series against the New York Knicks, losing both games despite leading by 20 points in each game. This has put them in a precarious position, contrasting sharply with their previous season's championship success.
Kendrick Perkins, a former NBA champion, has voiced concerns about the Celtics' ability to bounce back in the series. He specifically pointed out the high expectations on the team and its star players, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, who are considered one of the best duos in the league.
Perkins described this series as a legacy-defining moment for Brown and Tatum, emphasizing that their inability to close games despite substantial leads has placed them under intense scrutiny.
The Celtics are preparing for Game 3 with immense pressure to regroup and perform well. The outcome of this game is seen as critical for maintaining their championship hopes, particularly against a confident Knicks team.
The stakes are high for Brown and Tatum, as their performance could significantly impact their careers and legacies. The team's current performance has sparked doubts about their potential to secure even a single victory in the series.
The Boston Celtics find themselves in a position not even remotely close to their last season’s championship run.
They are off to a double disheartening loss to the New York Knicks.
Following these defeats, which included giving up 20-point leads in both games, former NBA star Kendrick Perkins is a bit skeptical.
He voiced his concerns regarding the Celtics' chances of reversing their fortunes in the series. In a segment on ESPN's Get Up, he remarked on the hostile atmosphere they will encounter at Madison Square Garden.
“If you know what it means to be a Boston Celtics, we're not sold on getting one championship. You wanna back because you wanna win multiple titles. And when you have this duo[Tatum and Brown]- 'supposed to be the best duo in the league', you're definitely not supposed to getting to sit out in the first while…You were up 20 points twice at the crib and blew it. Yes, this is a legacy-defining moment for Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum,” Perkins said.
One-time NBA champion Kendrick Perkins says that the Celtics-Knicks series is legacy-defining for one-time NBA champions Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. pic.twitter.com/vORspqE0lt
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 8, 2025 According to him, the reigning champions might be on the brink of being swept, indicating that they would be fortunate to secure even a single victory in the series.
As the Celtics prepare for Game 3, they face immense pressure to regroup and find their rhythm again. This upcoming game is particularly significant for their star duo, Tatum and Brown, who are expected to lead the charge if the Celtics hope to keep their championship hopes alive.
Perkins asserted that this moment represents a crucial opportunity for Tatum and Brown to define their legacies, given their inability to close out games despite holding substantial leads.
The spotlight is now heavily on them as they would make sure to bounce back in this challenging matchup against a confident Knicks team.
MORE CELTICS NEWS: