Jayson Tatum clears air around pre-game ‘ear tug’ ritual: “Me and my grandma have always done”

Jayson Tatum and his Boston Celtics are in the 2024 NBA Finals.

Jayson Tatum clears air around pre-game ‘ear tug’ ritual: “Me and my grandma have always done”

Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum, a key player for the Boston Celtics, has a pregame ritual that he follows before every game, which includes praying and tugging on his ears, a gesture that holds deep meaning for him. Tatum has been doing this since he was a young kid, and it’s a way for him to express gratitude for his position and acknowledge his grandmother, with whom he shared this tradition.

Tatum’s ritual is a way for him to show respect and admiration for those who have helped him get to where he is today. 

You know I always pray before the competition starts. Been doing that for every game, even since I’ve been a young kid. Extremely blessed to be in this situation. And then, I always tug my ears, because that’s something that me and my grandma have always done to kind of just acknowledge her. It’s been our little thing ever since I was in elementary/middle school.
Jayson Tatum said in a video snippet released via NBA

As one of the best players in the NBA, Tatum is a crucial part of the Celtics’ success, and they are considered favorites to win the NBA championship this year. Despite his strong numbers in the playoffs, averaging 26.0 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists, Tatum has struggled with his shooting. He is shooting at just 44.2% from the field and a rough 29% from the three-point line, which could be disastrous for the Celtics if he doesn’t improve in the NBA Finals.

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Jayson Tatum looking to convert his second chance at the NBA title 

Tatum sees his return to the NBA Finals as a second chance to achieve his ultimate goal. After coming up short in 2022, he’s determined to learn from that experience and simplify things this time around.

It's a lot that myself, and we, can learn from that experience being in the Finals, and this time, this go-around is a lot different. Obviously, we've been there before, we came up short. And a great opportunity to make it to the Finals again. You don't always get a second chance, so really just looking at it as a second chance and trying to simplify things as much as we can. It's another series that we gotta win.
Jayson Tatum said in Saturday’s presser

Tatum’s first Finals trip was marked by a wrist injury and a disappointing performance, including a tough loss in Game 6 at home. The Celtics have worked hard to get back to this point, and Tatum is eager to avenge that result.

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