The Boston Celtics’ dominant victory over the Miami Heat in the 2024 Playoffs was nearly derailed by Jayson Tatum’s dangerous fall with only 1 minute remaining in the game.

After 47 minutes of gameplay between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs 2024, without any complications, the home team Celtics maintained complete control and held a considerable lead, especially with the absence of their star player, Jimmy Butler.

However, in the final minute of the game, a bit of drama unfolded. Miami’s shooter, Caleb Martin, committed a very rough foul against Jayson Tatum. The collision occurred mid-air, causing the Celtics’ All-Star player to land forcefully on his back.

Watch Jayson Tatum’s dangerous fall with only 1 minute remaining in the game.

The Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics have faced each other in the last three NBA Playoffs, including four postseasons in the past five years.

Each time these two teams meet, there are always intense collisions or aggressive fouls. This time was no exception when Martin clearly committed an unnecessary collision.

After lying on the court for a few seconds in the silence of the TD Garden arena, where over 19,000 fans anxiously watched the condition of Boston Celtics’ number one star, Jayson Tatum managed to stand up and successfully made both free throws.

Fortunately for Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics, there were no injuries.

Sharing with reporters, Jayson Tatum acknowledged the nature of NBA Playoffs basketball, especially when facing a rival with a lot of history like the Miami Heat.

“This is NBA Playoffs, where physicality and collisions are significantly higher compared to the regular season. I understand this and I’m well aware of the Miami Heat, a team known for their physical style of play and numerous collisions. It was just a normal situation,” Tatum said.

Jayson Tatum knows he will be closely guarded during the NBA Playoffs.

On the other hand, Caleb Martin of the Miami Heat believed that he was pushed, leading to the mid-air collision with Jayson Tatum: “I know that collision was quite forceful. It seems like I was pushed from behind, and inertia directed me towards Jayson’s position. Knowing that it was a heavy foul, I actively helped him get up.”

Tatum further mentioned that being fouled like that is a common occurrence: “In that play, I knew they committed enough fouls as a team, so I went in to contest to try and draw the foul. I’m sure I’ll experience more collisions and fouls in this series. The important thing is that I’m not hurt and there are no injuries.”

Jayson Tatum ended the game with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists, marking his first triple-double in the playoffs. Game 1 concluded with a score of 114-94, a resounding victory accompanied by a strong message from Boston.

Game 2 of the first-round series between the Miami Heat and the Boston Celtics will take place on Thursday, April 25th, at the TD Garden, the Celtics’ home court.