In the waning moments of Boston’s triumphant 114-94 victory over the Miami Heat in Game 1 of their heated first-round playoff series at TD Garden, the long-standing rivalry between the Celtics and the Heat reignited in dramatic fashion.

The tension reached a boiling point when Miami’s Caleb Martin collided forcefully with Jayson Tatum, who was airborne in pursuit of a crucial rebound. The resounding impact of the collision reverberated throughout the Garden, eliciting a collective gasp from the crowd. While Tatum swiftly rose to his feet, Celtics’ stalwart Jaylen Brown, visibly perturbed by Martin’s actions, rebuffed the Heat forward’s attempt to assist Tatum, exacerbating an already volatile situation.

This altercation prompted a heated exchange between players from both sides, culminating in technical fouls being assessed to both Brown and Martin. Despite downplaying the incident post-game, Martin insinuated that external forces propelled him towards Tatum, mitigating his culpability in the collision.

Reflecting on the incident, Tatum remained composed, emphasizing the physicality inherent in playoff basketball and downplaying the impact of Martin’s hard foul. Unfazed by the confrontation, Tatum underscored his resilience and readiness to endure the rigors of postseason competition.

The collective sigh of relief was palpable as Tatum emerged unscathed from the collision, a testament to his resilience and fortitude. His stellar performance, including his inaugural playoff triple-double, served as a beacon of hope for Celtics faithful amidst the fervor of playoff intensity.

With Game 2 looming on the horizon, anticipation mounts for another electrifying showdown at TD Garden, as the Celtics and the Heat renew their storied rivalry. As the stakes escalate, the battle lines are drawn, setting the stage for another chapter in this compelling playoff saga.