Jayson Tatum proved why he’s the perfect teammate as he vowed to ‘not let his ego’ get in the way of the Boston Celtics’ NBA Finals dream.

Despite the Celtics leading the Dallas Mavericks 2-0 in the finals, Tatum hasn’t been getting the praise that many were expecting. Instead, the 26-year-old’s performances have been met by criticism after failing to score as highly in the series as he has throughout the season.

Tatum scored just 18 points and shot at a measly 27.3% during the Celtics 105-98 win on Sunday. But he’s been far more effective aside from his scoring, with him playing more of a playmaker role for the team. Tatum registered nine boards and 12 dimes in Game 2 of the finals at the TD Garden.

Speaking to reporters after the game, Tatum addressed why he’s shown a greater willingness to impact the play aside from just scoring big points, he said: “I’ve been here before and we didn’t win.

“We’re so close to what we’re trying to accomplish. Why would I let my ego or my need to score get in the way of that? There are going to be times where I need to score.

“Obviously, I need to shoot better, golly. We always talk about doing whatever it takes, for however long it takes. If I need to have 16 potential assists every single night, and that’s what puts us in the best position to win and doesn’t mean I’m the leading scorer, by all means, if that gives us the best chance to win, sign me up.”

Tatum’s vow to not chase personal glory in a bid to win finals MVP is exactly what the Celtics need with his current role in the playoffs evidently working with them being 2-0 up after Boston won the opening game of the finals 107-89 last Thursday.

Jayson Tatum© Getty Images

The Celtics are thriving with Tatum playing his unselfish role as the well-built and all-rounded team have played in such a way that every player has enjoyed a significant role on the court. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla lauded the five-time NBA All-Star’s impact in the finals.

“Where he’s grown the last two years is what the defense is giving him and learn to impact the game in many different ways,” Mazzulla said. “Because of the type of team that we’ve had, especially this year, he’s seen a bunch of different coverages.”

Tatum averaged 21.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 7.0 assists in the 2022 NBA finals loss to the Golden State Warriors. He shot 36.7% while not making any significant impact in defense, unlike his current exploits against the Mavericks.