Former Miami Heat player Udonis Haslem recently responded to a light-hearted jab from Jayson Tatum regarding the Celtics-Heat rivalry. The Celtics, fresh off their championship win, had flown to Miami, and during the celebrations, NBC Sports Boston’s Brian Scalabrine asked Tatum if the trip was more enjoyable than past visits to face the Heat. Tatum cheekily remarked, “They always easy.”
Haslem, now a commentator, addressed Tatum’s comments on ESPN, suggesting the Celtics star might still be reveling in the post-championship celebrations. “I think he’s still drunk from the party,” Haslem joked on SportsCenter. “There’s no way he could believe that. Congratulations to the Boston Celtics. We understand they’re the champs. We’re going to get fully healthy, then we’ll see what happens.”
The Celtics and Heat have clashed frequently in recent playoffs, meeting in four of the last five, including three Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics triumphed over the Heat in the first round of the playoffs this season on their way to the NBA title.
On another ESPN show, Haslem expressed frustration with the ongoing underestimation of the Heat. “I’m tired of this,” he said on First Take. Highlighting the talents of players like Duncan Robinson, Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo, Tyler Herro, and others, Haslem emphasized the consistent performance of the Heat. “For the last four or five years, it’s come down to the Miami Heat or the Boston Celtics,” he stated. “A healthy Miami Heat is the team that can challenge Boston.”
Haslem’s remarks underscore the fierce competition and respect between the two teams, promising more exciting matchups in future seasons. The former Heat player’s comments also reflect his belief in Miami’s potential to bounce back and compete at the highest level.
