Celtics’ Jayson Tatum Says NBA Finals MVP Win Is ‘Important’ amid Jaylen Brown Debate

Tyler Conway@@jtylerconwayFeatured Columnist IVJune 17, 2024

Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images

Jayson Tatum likely won’t win the NBA Finals MVP if the Boston Celtics finish off the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night.

That said, he seems more focused on his first ring than the individual accolade.

“It’s important, but it’s not the main thing,” Tatum told ESPN’s Malika Andrews. “Isiah Thomas didn’t win Finals MVP every time. Tim Duncan didn’t win Finals MVP every time. Larry Bird. Steph Curry only has one. Kobe [Bryant] won two out of five championships. As a competitor, you want to win and accomplish everything in front of you, but I would not be the slightest bit sad if I didn’t win Finals MVP. I would be ecstatic just to win the Finals.”

Malika Andrews @malika_andrewsWith the Celtics one win away from the title, the Finals MVP race is far from decided.

But how important is winning the Bill Russell Trophy to Jayson Tatum? pic.twitter.com/ozLvwedoVE

Tatum has not played his best basketball during these Finals. He’s averaging 20.0 points, 7.8 rebounds and 6.3 assists while shooting just 36.5 percent from the floor. The All-NBA forward has been below the 20-point mark in three of four games in the series.

Jaylen Brown’s numbers aren’t much better after a 10-point dud in Game 4, but he’s been far more efficient. Brown is averaging 20.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists while shooting 49.2 percent from the floor. Aside from a 3-of-12 effort in Game 4, Brown has made more than half of his shots in every game.

The Celtics’ Finals performance has been more team-oriented than any in recent memory. Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White have all stepped up in a major way at various points as the Celtics look to bring home their 18th banner and first since 2008.

Tatum will undoubtedly want to add a Finals MVP to his mantle someday, but for now he’ll be satisfied with his first ring.