The Celtics star and comedian from Philly have always been on friendly terms
Jayson Tatum had a historic Game 7 performance, setting an NBA record by scoring 51 points to help the Boston Celtics secure a series victory against the Philadelphia 76ers. Tatum’s extraordinary display of skill didn’t end on the court, as he made a tackle on Kevin Hart, an ardent Sixers fan, during his post-game interview with ESPN’s Lisa Salters.
Tatum’s Trolls Heart in a post-match interview
In his interview, Tatum gave a special shout-out to Kevin Hart, expressing his desire for their friendship to continue despite the outcome of the match. He jokingly asked Hart to continue answering his phone calls and assured him there were no hard feelings.
Hart, upon receiving Tatum’s message, posted a funny video to Instagram in response. Reluctantly, Hart congratulated Tatum and his Celtics teammates for advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals, but not without taking a hilarious shot at Tatum in return. Despite Tatum’s dominating performance shattering dreams of Hart’s beloved Sixers, the actor graciously acknowledged Tatum’s talent and success.
“Well, I was hurt,” Hart said in the video. “The world knows it. I don’t have to hide it. What I am is not a sore loser. It’s not about how you win, it’s about how you lose. I’m going to lose like a man. I’m going to stand on mines. Jason Tatum, I hate it but I have to give you props. Congratulations bro. You Friend. A true competitor. Prove you are today. You showed. You showed. You put your foot in our ass.” – Kevin Hart
Friendship grows
It should be noted that Tatum and Hart do have a history together, as they were previously seen hanging out with Jay-Z in New York last summer. Despite the competitive nature of the game, Hart’s recognition of Tatum’s achievement and willingness to give him props shows mutual respect and friendship.
Tatum’s stellar performance garnered interest from not only Kevin Hart but Janet Jackson as well during the 2023 post-season. If Tatum continues to play at such a high level, he will likely catch the eye of more celebrities as he progresses into the playoffs. His exceptional skills on the court and ability to nail the spotlight have made him a rising star in the NBA, deserving of recognition from both fans and VIPs alike.