Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: Joe Mazzulla Explains Why He Was Happy After Jayson Tatum Lost Finals MVP
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Analysis > Boston Celtics News & Analysis > Joe Mazzulla Explains Why He Was Happy After Jayson Tatum Lost Finals MVP

Joe Mazzulla Explains Why He Was Happy After Jayson Tatum Lost Finals MVP

Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla kept it real when asked why he was happy about Jayson Tatum losing Finals MVP.

Ishaan Bhattacharya
Sep 26, 2024
4 Min Read
Share

Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The 2024 NBA Finals saw the Boston Celtics win their 18th championship in franchise history with Jaylen Brown being named the Finals MVP. Many were disappointed to see Jayson Tatum fail to win the legacy-defining trophy, but Tatum revealed that head coach Joe Mazzulla was happy about the result. The coach explained why in a press scrum at Celtics media day.

“That’s just the way that I love him, it’s the relationship that we have, and I appreciate that he accepts my perspective and the way that we go about talking about it. But at the end of the day he’s 26 and I just said, ‘Listen, you’ve accomplished so much in this league. And just take a step back and appreciate that and then be grateful that you’ve got god willing 10, 12, 14 years left in this league. Who knows what you’re going to see?’”  

“I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet because of how much he works and how he’s willing to grow. So I thought it was great that he has something to work toward. 

“Sometimes when you get success you don’t have that next hunger right in front of you. Sometimes you’ve gotta wait for it. Sometimes it’s a loss, sometimes it’s a losing streak. He was able to get that right in front of him. So I just thought it was a gift.” 

“It doesn’t mean that he shouldn’t be pissed off about it. I didn’t want to take away from how that may affect him in real time because I wasn’t there. But as his coach and as somebody that really cares about him I just thought it was great because it gives him something to work toward for the rest of his career.”

Tatum averaged 22.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in the 2024 NBA Finals in the 4-1 series win over the Dallas Mavericks. Despite his overall stats, Tatum played with poor efficiency (38.8 FG%) and Brown’s impact on the series was noticeably more pronounced despite his overall stats being lower than Tatum’s. 


Jayson Tatum Doesn’t Think It Was His Time To Win Finals MVP

Jayson Tatum doesn’t look at his failure to win Finals MVP as big of an issue as many have painted it out to be, comparing himself to other superstars who won a title but not the Finals MVP like Larry Bird, Isiah Thomas, and Stephen Curry.

“It just wasn’t my time. I’m not the only superstar to not win Finals MVP. Steph Curry got 4 rings and he only has one. Isiah Thomas didn’t win every time, Larry Bird didn’t win Finals MVP every time he won the championship.” 

“The most important thing was that we won and I know I played a huge role in us winning a championship… For me, I was happy for (Jaylen Brown)… I was happy we won and I know that I’m gonna win Finals MVP one day.”

The Celtics are favorites to repeat and become the first team since the 2018 Warriors to defend their NBA Championship. If they put themselves in a position to win another title, Jayson Tatum will need to emerge as the Finals MVP and bring home a 19th Larry O’Brien to Boston.

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:Boston Celtics ArchiveJayson TatumJoe Mazzulla
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByIshaan Bhattacharya
Follow:
Ishaan Bhattacharya is a content manager for Fadeaway World from New Delhi, India. With his expertise in NBA content creation, Ishaan brings a wealth of experience to his role, contributing to the site's authority and reach within the basketball community. Over the last year, Ishaan has interviewed Ray Allen and Mark Tatum, while also covering the 2023 NBA Abu Dhabi Games which saw the Dallas Mavericks take on the Minnesota Timberwolves.Since joining Fadeaway World in March 2022, Ishaan Bhattacharya has become known for his unique perspective on the NBA. He consistently delivers this insight through his daily news coverage and detailed opinion pieces on the most significant topics in the league.Before his tenure at Fadeaway World, Ishaan worked in corporate communications, where he serviced prominent sports brands, including NBA India, Sports18, Amazon Prime Sports, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. This experience in strategic communications for leading sports entities has enhanced his ability to craft impactful narratives and connect with a global audience.A true MFFLer (Mavs Fan for Life, for the uninitiated), Ishaan is a massive fan of the Dallas Mavericks. When he is not upset about Jalen Brunson walking in free agency, you can see Ishaan as an avid gamer and content creator. His passion for basketball extends beyond the Mavericks, as evidenced by his thoughtfully curated NBA Mount Rushmore, featuring LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Bill Russell—each representing distinct eras and bringing their unique qualities to the game.Featured On: ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Bleacher Report, Yahoo Sports, NBA, Fox Sports, The Spun
Previous Article Heat Legend Claims Pat Riley Is Tired Of Jimmy Butler
Next Article Steve Kerr On Klay Thompson: “Sometimes A Career Change Can Refresh And Recharge You”
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

Lakers guard Bronny James poses for photos during media day at UCLA Health Training Center
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

Kwame Brown Blasts Lakers’ Bronny James, Claims There Are High School Players Better Than Him

October 5, 2025
Rockets center Steven Adams talks with media during Houston Rockets media day at Toyota Center
Houston Rockets News & Analysis

Jake LaRavia Reveals Steven Adams’ Wild Locker Room Habits

October 5, 2025
Atlanta Hawks center Kristaps Porzingis poses for a photo during Media Day
Atlanta Hawks News & Analysis

Atlanta Hawks’ Massive Lineup Features 14 Players Standing 6’8″ Or Taller

October 5, 2025
NBA News & Analysis

Ranking NBA Players With 20+ Seasons Played: Is Anyone Near LeBron James?

October 5, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?