Tatum and Brown’s journey could make a title finish even sweeter

Tatum and Brown’s journey could make a title finish even sweeter originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Twenty months ago, still stung from stumbling in their first trip to the NBA Finals, the Boston Celtics’ All-Star tandem of Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum plopped down together in a pair of director chairs on a movie soundstage and were asked about their goals.

“Individually, we can be whatever in this league — I believe that,” said Brown. “Me, I want to win.”

Then, turning toward Tatum, Brown asked his All-NBA teammate if he wanted to win. Tatum smiled wide and quickly affirmed.

“He wants to win, too,” said Brown. “That’s what it comes down to.”

Tatum soon added, “Nothing else matters. All the individual stuff, I would trade that all to win a championship. And I believe that we’re going to do it.”

Six hundred some-odd days later, after enduring a few more painful bumps in the road, the Jays sit one win away from backing up their declarations. Throughout the entirety of the 2023-24 season, both Brown and Tatum sacrificed individual stats to allow every piece of an overhauled roster to thrive. Now, the Celtics stand one win away from a title victory that will change so many of the narratives that have lingering around the duo.

On the 16th anniversary of Boston’s last title triumph, with the date reflecting the city’s area code (June 17 and 617), the Celtics have an opportunity Monday to claim Banner 18 when the Mavericks visit TD Garden for Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals.

It’s fascinating to go back and listen to the Jays coming off the loss to the Golden State Warriors in the 2022 Finals. They basically tell you what’s going to happen in the aftermath. They push back on all the criticisms they faced in not being able to get over the final hump and essentially promise that they will eventually secure a title.

Now that championship is within their grasp.

How appropriate, too, that Brown and Tatum are the two favorites to emerge as Finals MVP. Brown is the frontrunner, having left an indelible two-way mark against the Mavericks, especially with his willingness to defend Luka Doncic. A…

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Author : NBC Sports Boston

Publish date : 2024-06-17 14:46:46

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