Kevin Durant defends Boston Celtics' Jayson Tatum, blasts NBA analysts

This week, the basketball world was shaken by the devastating news of Jayson Tatum’s injury. The Boston Celtics star exited Game 5 against the New York Knicks after suffering a torn Achilles tendon, an injury that will sideline him for a significant period. The news sparked a wide range of reactions from NBA analysts—and Kevin Durant responded sharply to one of them.

“The Celtics match up better against the Knicks without Jayson Tatum than they do with him,” Emmanuel Acho said on The Facility, in a video he later shared on his X account. “Not because of talent, exclusively because of mindset. I believe a team is a reflection of its leader. Jayson Tatum is the leader of the Boston Celtics. They’re an incredible team, an incredible talented team, but they are not as tough a team.”

To support his point, the former NFL player cited a specific moment from Game 5. “There was a moment, 7 minutes 45 seconds left in the game, the Celtics were up by maybe 18 points. Jayson Tatum in this moment, he would have shot the three. Instead, Jaylen Brown, he pumps, he drives, he dishes, dunks. And that goes to be a 21 point game,” he explained.

“The reason I’m showing you this is because Jaylen Brown stood there and led every player that played in the game and those that didn’t even play in the game. He hit them all in the chest and he looked them all in the eye,” Acho continued. “I’m not saying Jayson Tatum wouldn’t have done this, this just proves to me the leadership that Jaylen Brown has.”

Former NFL player Emmanuel Acho.

Kevin Durant fires back at Acho

Durant is known for being outspoken on social media, often engaging with fans, players, and analysts alike. This situation was no different, as the two-time NBA champion with the Golden State Warriors posted a response to Acho’s video.

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“Hot take artist have ruined the sport,” Kevin began. “Football guys, no disrespect but yall boys need to stay In ya lanes, u don’t know what it’s like it between these lines man give it a break.”

The forward also took aim at former NFL players who transitioned into media roles and now weigh in on the NBA. “Dudes who quit football early to pursue media talkin mental toughness, cut it out.”

Reactions to Durant’s comments

Durant’s post on X sparked a wave of responses, most of them supportive. His reply received more than 56,000 likes—far exceeding the 2,900 likes on the original video posted by Emmanuel Acho. Even Kendrick Perkins, a former teammate of Durant’s with whom he’s had public disagreements in the past, backed the message, commenting: “One the few times I agree with you.”