Jayson Tatum remains committed to capturing title, Finals MVP with Celtics

BOSTON — Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum has practically cleared every hurdle in front of him. Whether it was surviving the gauntlet of the playoffs and winning an NBA title in 2024 or recovering from a brutal Achilles injury he suffered in 2025, he's overcome adversity time and time again. But, that doesn't mean he's satisfied with the accolades he's collected while in the Association.

During an interview with TODAY as part of the "Glass Half Full" podcast , Tatum was asked by journalist Craig Melvin what he was still chasing prior to the 2026 NBA Playoffs. The six-time All-Star's response should delight (but not surprise) Celtics fans. "I would say winning another championship and holding up Finals MVP," Tatum stated.

Although Tatum was instrumental in the Celtics' domination of the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Finals, fellow Celtics star Jaylen Brown took home the Bill Russell Trophy. Another ring, with a Finals MVP to boot, would cement Tatum as an all-time great Celtic, as even Green Team legends like Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett never captured multiple championships. When Melvin questioned whether or not Tatum could accomplish such a feat in Boston, the soon-to-be tenth-year Celtic didn't hesitate: "Absolutely, and especially after what I've been through, it would mean that much more," Tatum answered.

Shortly after filming this interview, the Celtics' quest for a nineteenth title went awry in the postseason. They squandered a 3-1 series lead against the Philadelphia 76ers and lost in the first round for the first time since 2021. Knee discomfort and the aforementioned Achilles history ultimately ruled Tatum out of a pivotal Game 7 in that disappointing series, reminding the 28-year-old that reaching the summit of the basketball world is extremely difficult.