Jayson Tatum refuses handshake postgame social media erupts with conspiracy theories

The Boston Celtics had just eliminated their opponent in a Game 7 showdown when Jayson Tatum did something that lit up the internet. As players gathered at center court for the traditional postgame handshake, Tatum walked straight past the opposing team, ignoring outstretched hands and heading straight into the tunnel. Fans watching at home caught it instantly, and social media exploded with theories. Was it a sign of disrespect? A personal grudge? Or something deeper brewing within the Celtics’ own locker room? ESPN’s postgame crew replayed the moment repeatedly, zooming in on Tatum’s stone-cold expression. Meanwhile, rumors swirled that a locker room argument occurred before the game between Tatum and a veteran teammate over playing time and defensive assignments. Even more suspicious was a quickly deleted tweet from a Celtics assistant coach saying, “Sometimes even wins can feel like losses.” Tatum refused all postgame interviews. The team issued a generic statement about “focusing on the next round.” But Boston fans aren’t letting it go. They’re dissecting every frame, every gesture, and every cryptic comment. Something is clearly off with the Celtics’ star—and the question now is whether this mystery will fracture the team’s title hopes from within.