Sure, the loss is disappointing, but the star forward isn't upset to see the series go to a Game 7.
The Boston Celtics lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference first round on Thursday night, evening up the series at three games apiece and forcing a Game 7 on Saturday night in Boston (7:30 p.m. ET).
That makes two consecutive disappointing losses for the Celtics, who entered the playoffs as the No. 2 seed and a group with real championship aspirations.
Despite the frustrations of the last two losses, Celtics star Jayson Tatum isn't fretting the situation, saying he's grateful to even be playing right now.
"Nah. I mean, you can't wish for it to be over any sooner than it's going to be. I've played 130 some-odd playoff games, and you know, bummed to say it's going to be in seven? No, I'm not bummed. I was out for 50 weeks. I wasn't able to play basketball. So I get another opportunity to play the game that I love that I had to be sidelined for 10.5 months. So, obviously, you want to win every game you play, but it doesn't always go like that. But more so just kind of thankful that we have another opportunity. We have another chance to make it right."
Tatum has only played 127 career playoff games, but that's beside the point. What's important is that he is taking a healthy and reflective point of view on things. Tatum played in only 16 regular season games this season after recovering from a torn Achilles suffered last May. He's played in each of the first six playoff games this year and will play in Game 7 despite some discomfort that limited him in Game 6.
Tatum still had 17 points on 6-of-13 shooting in the loss while Jaylen Brown led the way with 18. Tyrese Maxey had 30 points for the 76ers.
Also need to know
--The Celtics and 76ers have met in 22 previous playoff series in history, with the Celtics going 15-7. They've also won the last six and those records are on the line during Game 7.
--Saturday night's game will air on NBC and Peacock, giving a broadcaster audience the opportunity to watch the conclusion of the series.
--Tatum now has 3,076 career playoff points, good enough for second-most all-time before hitting the age of 29. He passed his idol Kobe Bryant in Game 5 for that spot, and he now only trails LeBron James.
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