With the Celtics triumphing at such a exquisite price this season, the likes of Stephen A. Smith had Tatum as their MVP front-runner at one point. While I in no way had him leading the race at any point, I truly felt he deserved some consideration.
Tatum, however, wrecked his chances of triumphing the award I think in opposition to the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night. Instead of making a statement, he delivered a stinker, ending with 15 points, four rebounds, eight assists, and 2 steals, as the Celtics lost 115-109.
Reviving his probabilities would require Tatum to play at a very high degree the rest of the way, and this wasn’t a gorgeous start. Even if he played well, you would suppose Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Giannis Antetokounmpo would have to struggle a fair bit for Tatum to skip them and that isn’t going to happen.
Jayson Tatum Wants To Win A Championship More Than Anything Else
While the outside world has been debating Tatum’s case for MVP, the man himself isn’t too worried about it. Tatum states he prioritizes prevailing a championship over MVP.
“I don’t honestly seem to be for that praise, I guess, anymore. I’ve performed a lot in my career and I’m clearly at the point where I desire to get over that hump, I desire to get lower back to the Finals, I desire to assist us win a championship.”
“What I’m doing, I may no longer win MVP, however I’m just trying to help us proceed to be the best crew in the league and do my part. If people understand that, they see it, then I appreciate it. If they don’t, that’s ok.”
You do like that attitude. The Celtics absolutely have all the Genius a crew wishes to win it all this year, but the onus will be on Tatum to get them over the line.
