Celtics' Jayson Tatum continues to build his MVP case

When speaking to the media after the game, Tatum noted how he's never been short on confidence. The three-time All-NBA first-team selection also backed himself to hit big shots, regardless of the situation of pressure of the moment. 

“I got a lot of problems in life, confidence has never been one of them,” Tatum said. “I worked too hard at my craft. I played too much basketball to ever doubt the next shot, whether it's an in-and-out miss or whether I miss the entire rim. I know what I'm capable of and you always believe that the next one is going in.”

Tatum is the best player on the reigning NBA champion's roster. He's a five-time All-Star, and he's one of the future faces of the NBA. Therefore, he has everything necessary to be a perennial MVP candidate for at least the next five years. 

Now, with the pressure of bringing a championship to Boston firmly lifted, he is playing with more freedom and aggression as he looks to prove himself within the hierarchy of the NBA. Clutch moments like his one against the Raptors will undoubtedly help his cause. 

Tatum may or may not become the 2025 NBA MVP. However, his current level of production is helping the Celtics stack wins despite often being shorthanded. Therefore, his pursuit of the coveted individual award is ensuring Boston continues on its path toward defending its title. 

For Celtics fans, becoming back-to-back champions will probably mean more than Tatum becoming MVP, but if he can do both, he will be firmly on his way to establishing himself as one of the franchise's greatest talents.