Tatum takes a jab at the media and fans.

The Boston Celtics fell 94-118 to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of the second round of the 2023-2024 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, on Tuesday night. The loss evened the series at 1-1.

It was a shocking loss for Boston. The game was played at TD Garden, Boston’s home, and they were coming off a dominant Game 1 win.

The game was more shocking than the result. The Celtics were overwhelmed by Donovan Mitchell and Evan Mobley throughout the game, while Boston’s superstars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown 홀덤 had disappointing performances.

The fourth quarter was dominated by Cleveland. Boston looked lethargic in front of their home fans.

The series is now tied 1-1, with the Cavs hosting Game 3 and Game 4. The Cavaliers have the momentum from their Game 2 win.

Of course, Boston was in the same situation in the first round against the Miami Heat. After a blowout win in Game 1, they lost Game 2, but then won three straight games to easily advance to the second round.

However, fans will be disappointed. Boston was considered an overwhelming force in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics were so dominant in the Eastern Conference that they were unrivaled. NBA pundits and fans alike expected an easy trip to the Finals.

With Tatum and Brown, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford, the Celtics could be considered a super team. They even have decent bench options in Sam Hauser and Peyton Pritchard. The balance of offense and defense is fantastic. There’s a reason why Boston was rated as the number one favorite to win the championship.

However, Boston’s ace Tatum seems to think otherwise. “The idea that we’re a super team is something you only see on TV. We don’t have a coach of the year, we don’t have an MVP. They say we’re a super team, but we don’t get that respect,” he said.

Tatum has a point. Most people have labeled Boston as a superteam, but they haven’t rewarded them. Coach Joe Mazzulla and Tatum were barely mentioned in the Coach of the Year and MVP nominations, and Brown and Tatum were the only players named to the All-Star team. If Boston was a superteam, as Tatum suggests, they should have swept the awards. The Celtics’ regular-season performance was overwhelming, so it makes sense.

Whether Tatum and the Celtics can prove it with a Finals victory is up in the air, with a matchup against the Cavaliers right around the corner. Game 3 between the two teams will take place on December 12 at the Cavaliers‘ home Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.