As Jayson Tatum tumbled into what should have been one of the loudest celebrations for the Celtics in TD Garden this season, his game-winning scoop layup past Bradley Beal only drew the immediate embrace of Semi Ojeleye and Daniel Theis. They lifted him to his feet, the bench screamed briefly, and Tatum’s mellow expression barely shifted.
Without the roar of 20,000 fans, a great moment like that will fade as quickly as it did that night. The arena fell empty and silent minutes after the basket. No one can say, “I was there for that,” and the buzz from that spectacular play will prove fleeting.