Why Celtics star Jayson Tatum apologized to Janet Jackson after Game 6 win vs. Hawks

Benyam Kidane

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Why Celtics star Jayson Tatum apologized to Janet Jackson after Game 6 win vs. Hawks image

Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics booked their spot in the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs after defeating the Atlanta Hawks 128-120 in Game 6.

Tatum put on a show at State Farm Arena, dropping 30 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists in the win, but it was another show that was supposed to be rocking the arena Wednesday night. 

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Grammy Award-winning recording artist Janet Jackson was set to perform at State Farm Arena on her Together Again Tour, before the Hawks forced a Game 6 with their valiant victory at TD Garden on Tuesday, creating a scheduling conflict. 

With the Hawks returning home for Game 6, Jackson's second show was moved to Friday, April 28 in order to accommodate the matchup. In his postgame interview on-court, Tatum took a moment to apologize to the legendary performer for interrupting her tour. 

“I want to send an apology to the legend Janet Jackson,” Tatum said on TNT.

“We were supposed to close out in Boston. She had to postpone her show. Hope she sees this. I apologize for that. But we got it done today.”

The Celtics' win set up a second round matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers, with the series set to tip-off in Boston on May 1.

Celtics vs. 76ers schedule

Date Game Time (ET) TV channel
May 1 Game 1 7:30 p.m. at Celtics TNT
May 3 Game 2 8 p.m. at Celtics TNT
May 5 Game 3 7:30 p.m. at 76ers ESPN
May 7 Game 4 3:30 p.m. at 76ers ESPN
May 9 Game 5* TBD at Celtics TNT
May 11 Game 6* TBD at 76ers ESPN
May 14 Game 7* TBD at Celtics TBD

*If necessary

Benyam Kidane

Benyam Kidane Photo

Benyam Kidane is a senior NBA editor and has been covering the league for The Sporting News since 2016. In his spare time you can find him watching Allen Iverson highlights on repeat.