Nick Kyrgios shows love for $80 million Boston Celtics 'champ' Jayson Tatum following heroics against Minnesota Timberwolves

Nick Kyrgios has celebrated Jayson Tatum's standout performance in the Boston Celtics' narrow victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Taking to Instagram, he shared a video on his story featuring Tatum during a post-match interview.

On Thursday night in Minneapolis, Tatum delivered a commanding performance to lead the Boston Celtics to a thrilling 118-115 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. In his story, the Aussie tennis star addresses him on his TV, saying:

"Love you, champ."

Still from Nick Kyrgios' Instagram story (@k1ngkyrg1os)

The $80 million Celtics star showcased his all-around brilliance with 33 points, eight rebounds, and nine assists, guiding Boston to a strong start to 2025 despite missing key starters Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis. His leadership extended beyond offense, as he embraced the challenge of guarding Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards.

The Celtics forced Edwards to his left hand and applied timely double-teams, limiting the Timberwolves' star to 15 points. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla praised Tatum's performance on both ends of the floor (via Boston.com):

"He did great tonight. Obviously, he made some great shots, but I thought his intentionality on the offensive end was really good. He started the night out on Edwards, which is something he wanted, and I thought he took on the challenge."

A passionate Celtics fan, Kyrgios has frequently expressed his admiration for Tatum.

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Nick Kyrgios celebrated the Boston Celtics' record 18th NBA title last season, gave a shoutout to Jayson Tatum

Nick Kyrgios at the 2025 Brisbane International: Source - Getty

The Boston Celtics clinched a record-breaking 18th NBA championship last season, surpassing the Los Angeles Lakers. Jaylen Brown was named Finals MVP. Nick Kyrgios celebrated the victory by posting about it on his Instagram story and writing:

"One of the happiest moments of my life"

In 74 games in the 2023-24 season, Jayson Tatum averaged 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists. His all-around performance was instrumental in the Celtics' success. Kyrgios wrote in another story, tagging him:

"Enjoy this moment bro @jaytatum0"

Kyrgios made his long-awaited return to professional tennis at the Brisbane International this week, having played just one match in the past two years. Teaming up with Novak Djokovic in doubles, the pair secured a first-round victory before bowing out in the second round.

Nick Kyrgios suffered a narrow first-round defeat in singles to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. Each of the three sets in the match went into a tie-breaker with Perricard coming out with hard-fought victories in two.