Ex-Lakers, Clippers Guard Reacts to Celtics' Play Without Jayson Tatum

Former LA Clippers guard Patrick Beverley spoke about the Boston Celtics' play without Jayson Tatum in Game 5 against the Knicks

May 7, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) react after a play against the New York Knicks in the second quarter during game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images / David Butler II-Imagn Images

The Boston Celtics enter Game 5 against the New York Knicks with a very special type of desperation.

Playing without Jayson Tatum and facing elimination, the Celtics played with a different kind of freedom against the New York Knicks. As a result, they had over a 20-point lead in the fourth quarter and played arguably their best basketball of the series.

One person who loved what he saw on the court was former LA Clippers and Lakers guard

Via @patbev21: "with Tatum out that 🏀 is moving."

with Tatum out that 🏀 is moving. @PatBevPod

— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) May 15, 2025

Some Celtics fans weren't happy with Beverley's analysis, challenging him and stating that Tatum is the best passer on the team.

"i can tell u don’t know basketball. he has to pass because he gets double teamed the most so it would look like he’s the best passer," Beverley said to a fan.

i can tell u don’t know basketball. he has to pass because he gets double teamed the most so it would look like he’s the best passer. https://t.co/X3TL0tLXro

— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) May 15, 2025

Beverley went on to add that the Celtics are deep enough, even without Tatum, that everyone is an option.

"everyone is an option. you can’t key on any one player. everyone is a threat," Beverley said to a fan.

everyone is an option. you can’t key on any one player. everyone is a threat https://t.co/X3TL0tLXro

— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) May 15, 2025

The Boston Celtics ended up dismantling the New York Knicks by nearly 30 points in Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals. They did it without the services of Kristaps Porzingis, too, who only played 12 minutes in the game.

While the Celtics may have won Game 5 in a dominant fashion, they're going to face a true test in Game 6, where the Knicks will likely give their best punch of the series.

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