“I’m gonna fail…” Derrick Lively gets real about facing Jayson Tatum in NBA Finals

Dereck Lively made an honnest admission regarding the Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum.

“I’m gonna fail…” Derrick Lively gets real about facing Jayson Tatum in NBA Finals

Jayson Tatum and Dereck Lively

The Dallas Mavericks defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves in the WCF Playoff Finals to qualify for the NBA Finals. On the other hand, the Boston Celtics defeated the Indiana Pacers in the ECF Playoff Finals and will face the Mavs in the NBA Finals, respectively. Notably, the Mavs rookie sensation Dereck Lively shared his views about facing Jayson Tatum in the NBA Finals.

Dereck Lively claimed in an interview that Tatum was one of the best players in the NBA. The Mavs center pondered the difficulty of facing Tatum in the finals. He also admitted that he would “fail” against him but would continuously try to learn and evolve in the game. 

He’s an amazing player. [The Celtics are] an amazing team... I know I'm gonna fail...But being able to adapt to things that I'm failing is something I'm looking forward to.
Dereck Lively via media interview
YouTube video

Lively provided the reporters with an honest assessment regarding Tatum and the Celtics. The Celtics remained one of the early favorites to win the NBA championship. At the time, everyone still wondered if the duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving would work. They have proved everyone wrong and Lively played a huge part as well.

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On the sports side, Dereck Lively played in 55 regular-season games in his rookie year. He has averaged 8.8 points and 6.9 rebounds. In addition, the Mavs and the Celtics are in hot form this 2023-24 NBA season. Both sides will be prepared mentally and physically to snatch the decorated NBA title this year.

Jayson Tatum shared his views on the Mavs and Kyrie Irving

The Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics are the 2023-24 NBA season’s finalists. Interestingly, Jayson Tatum of the Celtics recently shared his views via Bobby Manning of the Celtics on CLNS on his side’s upcoming opponent. Moreover, he also spoke of his former teammate, Kyrie Irving.

Tatum claimed that Irving is a “great fit” for the Mavs and that they sync well with the other players on the roster. Tatum has always been vocal about his respect for his former teammate, Irving. 

It does seem like Dallas, obviously, has been a great fit (for Irving) ... the staff and the team, they gel together ... it's great seeing Ky out there playing at a high level ... and have fun doing it.
Jayson Tatum via Bobby Manning

On the contrary, in 127 regular-season games for the Celtics, Irving averaged 24.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game. Also, while shooting 48.9 percent from the field and 40.4 percent from three-point range throughout his two seasons with the Celtics. Fans will always wonder if Irving and the current Celtics team would have won a ring had they stayed together.

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