This historic feat, the first 40-point triple-double by a Celtic since Larry Bird, prompted head coach Joe Mazzulla and center Kristaps Porzingis to advocate for Tatum’s inclusion in the NBA’s Most Valuable Player conversation.
When asked about Tatum being overlooked in MVP discussions, Mazzulla, per SB Nation’s Noa Dalzell, responded emphatically:
“Yeah, no question. 100 percent. It does because I think he’s been doing it for such a long time, and he’s on a really good team,” Mazzulla said. “I think that hurts him sometimes, but his ability to do what he does on a great team, I think, says more about who he is as a player. But, yes, for sure.”
Porzingis echoed Mazzulla’s sentiment, praising Tatum’s approach to the game.
“100 percent. Joe is right,” Porzingis said. “He’s not a PR player — he doesn’t do everything just for PR. He actually plays the right way, he doesn’t need to always score 50. He’s hungry for winning. And that’s a big difference.”
Tatum’s latest performance and his teammates’ endorsements highlight his case for the MVP award and his impact on the Celtics’ success.
