Tatum's bold statement during C's ring ceremony wasn't planned

Tatum's bold statement during the C's ring ceremony was not originally scheduled and appeared on NBC Sports Boston

BOSTON — All offseason, the Celtics had preached the importance of not skipping any steps on their path to repeating as champions.

So we can only imagine how horrified Joe Mazzulla was when star player Jayson Tatum grabbed the microphone to address the TD Garden crowd after the Celtics received their 2024 championship rings on Tuesday night.

“I can honestly say to the best fans in the world: Let’s do it again,” Tatum said, sending the home fans into a frenzy.

It was a goosebumps moment — but one that Tatum didn't necessarily intend. After the game, he admitted that publicly announcing his team's replay intentions was not on his agenda.

“I was planning on saying something, but I got caught up in the moment. I was blown away,” Tatum said. “I was in awe and the emotions overwhelmed me.

“I know we shouldn't talk about a repeat, but the fans were just so excited, so they were like, shit, let's do it again.”

Considering the atmosphere, it's hard to blame Tatum for getting caught up in the moment. Celtics legends past and present (including 96-year-old Bob Cousy) were on hand to witness the raising of the 18 banner, and Tuesday's ceremony was the last chance for Tatum to revel in the success he has achieved in had so desperately sought in his last seven seasons.

“It's just something I've dreamed about for a very, very long time. A moment I've been looking forward to since I arrived in the league,” Tatum said.

“I was very, very close to winning a championship and fell short. To finally get over that hurdle and finally be a part of an opening ceremony at ringside – something I've seen every year since I was a kid – – It was just a wild moment and worth the wait.

When Tatum was caught in the second audition, he immediately flipped the switch. The five-time All-Star went an impressive 8-for-11 from 3-point range and finished with 37 points, four rebounds and 10 assists in Boston's 132-109 win over the New York Knicks.

The stunning victory was a reminder of why the Celtics are the title favorites for 2025 and appear well-poised to become the first team since the 2018 Golden State Warriors to repeat as champions. And while Tatum may have gone a bit overboard before Tuesday's game, he appears ready to put in the work necessary to get back to the NBA summit.

“After tonight, we have to put it behind us,” Tatum added. “We have to take the same approach as last year and you just try to get better every day. …We’re not looking at June; We’re looking forward to Thursday and that’s our mindset.”

The Celtics visit the Washington Wizards on Thursday, with coverage beginning at 6 p.m. ET on NBC Sports Boston Celtics Pregame Live and tip at 7 p.m