Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum has once again found himself at the center of criticism. After leading the team to their 18th NBA championship last season, Tatum received backlash for allegedly copying celebration ideas from past NBA legends. And now, even with a strong performance in the playoffs, the criticism continues to follow him.
In Game 3 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on Saturday, the Celtics secured a crucial 105-93 win over the New York Knicks. The win let them be back in the fight. But beyond the box score, Tatum made headlines for his on-court celebration.
During the game at Madison Square Garden, Tatum mimicked Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard’s signature “hand salute” celebration. The gesture is widely associated with Leonard’s time on the San Antonio Spurs. It gained popularity after the Spurs’ 2014 NBA Finals victory.
Jayson Tatum can’t even come up with an original celly 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/r1PuHuK461
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) May 10, 2025
What’s more, even before Game 3, Tatum had to digest fans’ ire. It came after the Celtics star’s appearance in a Superman commercial.
Fans React Strongly On Social Media Against Jayson Tatum’s Celebration
Following the game, fans quickly took to social media to call out Tatum for what they saw as another instance of him imitating other stars rather than forging his own identity. Many accused him of lacking originality and authenticity.
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“There is nothing original about boy jaYson, other than the Y,” one fan highlighted his belief that Tatum lacks uniqueness.
There is nothing original about boy jaYson, other then the Y
— Nadan (@Nadan1722) May 10, 2025
Another comment read, “The most unoriginal player fr.”
The most unoriginal player fr 🤣🤣
— Jin D. Park (@JPark088) May 10, 2025
“Bro such a fraud,” one frustrated fan commented.
Bro such a fraud.
— yzyus (@yzyusx) May 10, 2025
“Lacking aura,” another comment read.
Lacking aura
— Dex (@nfkillme) May 10, 2025
One fan even went as far as to label him the “Fakest superstar out there.”
Fakest superstar out there
— Gavin C (@dainf4musgc) May 10, 2025
However, Tatum found his footing in Game 3. Despite the backlashes, the night ended well for him as he scored 22 points, and the Celtics got their first win in the series.
Also Read: Jayson Tatum Reflects On The Heavy Burden Of Being ‘That Guy’ Amid Celtics Playoff Struggles
