Jayson Tatum shares how the Celtics thrive in crunch time

Crunch time used to be considered the Celtics' Achilles heel. However, the Celtics have now overcome these problems, and they showed it when they defeated the Pistons on October 26th. While the Celtics were neck and neck with them for most of the fourth quarter, they prevailed in the end and won 124-118.

After the game, Jayson Tatum explained to reporters how the Celtics were just as successful in the final minutes as they were against the Pistons, despite having difficulty defeating them.

“The nice thing about it was that we figured out how to win. We never let ourselves get upset, we never worried. “We know what to do offensively and how to execute the late-game plays we like to make,” Tatum said.

Tatum then singled out two special Celtics for their contributions while acknowledging that he enjoyed seeing through their struggles.

“Jrue (Holiday) made some big throws at the end, and then (Derrick) White and Jrue made some big stops. It was just fun to be part of those moments where 'Things aren't going well. It's kind of ugly.'” We're not insecure. We'll figure it out, and everyone will do their part.

With the win, the Celtics are now 3-0, making them one of only three teams that are still undefeated, along with the likes of the Lakers and Cavaliers.

This was also the first time in the 2024–25 season that the Celtics had to play their starters in the final minutes. In fact, it was the first time Tatum played in a fourth quarter this season. The Pistons were considered one of the worst NBA teams at the start of the season, but they ensured the Celtics secured the win.