Celtics' Jayson Tatum Says Magic Series in NBA Playoffs Was 'Exactly What We Needed'

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum expressed his belief Tuesday that the challenge provided by the seventh-seeded Orlando Magic in the first round of the playoffs could behoove the Celtics moving forward.

Speaking to reporters after the Celtics' series-clinching, 120-89 home win in Game 5, Tatum said the following regarding the test the Magic provided:

"Yeah, it was probably exactly what we needed. A good test [for the] first round. A couple guys really banged up and dealing with some things. But [just] showing that mental toughness of getting up and getting ready for each game and doing whatever it takes, whatever the game calls for and figuring out a way to win. That's all that matters this time of the year. As a group, we've been through it all, and we showed it and proved it this series."

It was perhaps widely expected that the Celtics would sweep the Magic, but they lost Game 3 by a 95-93 score and had plenty of other close calls as well.

Orlando led by one point at halftime in Game 1 and led by two at halftime of Game 5 on Tuesday, but the Celtics showed great perseverance each time and had an answer.

Boston also faced some adversity in the form of Tatum missing Game 2 due to a wrist bruise after taking a flagrant foul from Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in Game 1, but he was a dominant force upon returning to the lineup.

In Games 3, 4 and 5, Tatum finished with 36, 37 and 35 points, showing why he is a six-time All-Star and one of the top players in the league.

Last season, the Celtics steamrolled their way through the playoffs, losing only three games as the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference en route to a championship.

There was never much doubt about the Celtics winning it all last season, but there are other teams on their level this time around, including the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder, so they have to be battle-tested if and when they face them.

Jaylen Brown, who was the NBA Finals MVP last season, agreed with Tatum's assessment regarding the series against Orlando, calling it a "great learning experience for us to go a full playoff series, having to be physical, having to get in the trenches, rebound, flagrant fouls, play through it, physicality, play through it, and still find ways to win."

Even though the Magic were overmatched from a talent perspective, they played with plenty of desire and non-stop effort, which is what the Celtics can expect from the opposition moving forward.

Given that the Celtics are the reigning champs and coming off a rewarding series win, they should be plenty prepared for their second-round clash with the either the New York Knicks or Detroit Pistons.