WATCH: Caleb Martin sends Jayson Tatum flying with late challenge

The Sunday’s playoff Game 1 between the Boston Celtics and Jimmy Butler-less Miami Heat witnessed more than just a win and loss. When games get intense, some rely on physicality to get through and Miami’s Caleb Martin did the same. The forward targeted one of the most influential Celtics players, Jayson Tatum.

With a few seconds left in the game, the Heat tried to shoot a bucket which hit the rim and came out. When Tatum jumped in the air to grab the rebound Martin came from behind and collided with him. The Celtics forward fell hard on the floor which raised concern for the TD Garden crowd. Fortunately for the Cs, Tatum immediately got back on his feet visibly unharmed.

The Heat forward’s questionable action didn’t go well with Jaylen Brown and soon led to a scuffle between the teams while Tatum stayed out of it. The game officials handed a technical foul to Martin and Brown each to take control of the situation. The game finally ended with a 114-94 win for the Boston Celtics.

Despite Tatum quickly getting up without any injuries, many raised questions regarding the intention of the collision. On the flip side, Tatum had a different point of view altogether.

Jayson Tatum reacts to Caleb Martin foul

Following their victory, Jayson Tatum was asked about the hit that he took in a post-game interview. The forward stated, “Just understanding it’s playoff basketball, a physical game, playing against a physical team, s–t’s gonna happen.”

He further added, “It’s not the last time I’m probably going to get hit like that or fouled in this series.”

The 5-time All-Star assured that he did not get hurt and collisions like these are common in the sport. Seems like he came mentally and physically prepared to face such hits in their post-season journey without complaining too much, like he has been accused of in the past. Besides taking one for the team, Tatum bagged a triple-double with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and assists each.

The two teams will be going at it again on Wednesday for game 2 in the series and tempers are sure to flare in the high stakes battle.