Jayson Tatum's critics have a strange obsession: They're upset that he's not someone else.
Why isn't he as passionate as Jaylen Brown? Why isn't he as hot as Anthony Edwards? Why isn't he as cold-hearted as Kobe Bryant?
But if the NBA Finals proved anything, it's that maybe we should start celebrating Tatum for what he is: a calm, drama-free superstar in the vein of Tim Duncan, Joe Montana and Derek Jeter, who led the Celtics to the brink of Banner 18.
The Finals perfectly showcased Tatum's strength of character against a willing opponent. Coming into this series, Luka Doncic was widely hailed as the best player on the court, the must-have to start a franchise, and a likely MVP. Few would disagree. The 2024 scoring champion is a breathtaking talent who can change the pace of the game at his will as the most unique and unstoppable offensive force in basketball.
He is also prone to temperamental anger and mood swings that can damage his team at the worst possible moment. More severely, he can be a spoiled brat.
Doncic's temper was on full display in Game 3 on Wednesday. He came out red-hot with Dallas leading by 13 points in the first quarter, but then he lost his cool and started complaining about the referees, leading to the Celtics' inevitable comeback.
Doncic twice stayed on the court without receiving a call as the Celtics racked up points with a numerical disadvantage, and then in the fourth quarter, after Dallas had cut a 21-point deficit to one, Doncic foolishly took down Jaylen Brown twice, earning automatic disqualifications for his fifth and sixth fouls. After the latter, he sulked like a toddler in a sandbox, yelling petulantly at the bench for a beep to challenge.
The Mavericks contested both whistles, but the first resembled a Greco-Roman takedown and the second survived review. Both fouls were completely unnecessary and stemmed from the fact that the Celtics had been tormenting Doncic defensively throughout the series, leading to him being assessed a broken turnstile.
After the game, Doncic abdicated personal responsibility and blamed the officials for his own gain. “I just didn't play physical,” Doncic lamented. “I don't know. I don't want to say anything. Six fouls in the NBA Finals. … Come on, play better.”
Compare that to Tatum, who, except for lobbying the judges (though he was pretty reserved in the final), is unfazed. His personality on the podium is consistent, he never loses his cool, he never raises his voice, he never intimidates questioners, and that vibe carries over onto the floor.
Yet many are hoping Tatum will be a “killer” like Doncic, conveniently ignoring the fact that Tatum boasts a much better postseason track record than Doncic.
Luka often plays the game swearing at fans, taunting defenders and sneering, exuding the vibe of a school bully, while Tatum “and oooohhh…”
Tatum isn't trying to kill anyone. The ritual started as a signal to his son, Deuce. Calling it a “goodnight kiss” is more in keeping with Tatum's character. It's less violent, but just as crucial.
That's because Tatum makes no mistake about it: he plays a genuine, aggressive game. It was hard to miss the contrast late in the game, when Doncic fumbled for his sixth foul and Tatum ducked an errant entry pass and dunked over three defenders to end the comeback. His temperament may not show, but when Tatum straightens out those broad shoulders, there's nothing sweet about his game.
As the Celtics look to close out the series on Friday night, let's take a moment to appreciate Tatum's easy-going, humble and true-to-himself personality. After all these years, maybe we can finally see his understated nature as a strength, rather than a weakness that needs grafting.
The no-nonsense Celtics followed his lead and are on their way to history.
