Tatum Ranks Fourth in MVP Race! What’s Holding Him Back?

Boston Celtics superstar Jayson Tatum delivered one of the finest performances of his career in a dominant 123-98 victory over the Chicago Bulls, notching his third career triple-double. Tatum’s stat line was nothing short of sensational: 43 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists on an efficient 16-of-24 shooting from the field, including 9-of-15 from beyond the arc. This performance places Tatum in rare company, as he became just the second player in NBA history to record a 40-point, 15-rebound, 10-assist game with nine three-pointers. The first? James Harden in 2016 with the Houston Rockets.

While triple-doubles are increasingly common in today’s NBA, Tatum’s are a rarity. This marked his first of the season and only the third of his career, with his previous efforts being a 14-13-10 outing and a 29-14-10 performance. For the Celtics, this was their first 40-point triple-double since Larry Bird achieved the feat in 1992. It was a momentous occasion for both Tatum and the franchise, and head coach Joe Mazzulla made sure to commemorate it by giving Tatum the game ball—a gesture that reflected the magnitude of the achievement.

Despite Tatum’s brilliance, his MVP case seems to be flying under the radar. This season, he has been performing at an MVP-caliber level, yet he remains overshadowed by other superstars. As of now, Tatum is averaging 28.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, ranking sixth in scoring and 18th in rebounding across the league. His shooting splits of 46.3% from the field, 37.2% from three-point range, and 80.3% from the free-throw line translate to a true shooting percentage of 60.6%, slightly up from last season’s 60.4%.

Tatum’s Growth: Statistical and Strategic

Compared to last season, Tatum’s numbers have seen noticeable improvements. His scoring (28.8 PPG) is the second-highest of his career, just behind his 30.1 PPG mark in 2022-23. Additionally, he’s hitting career highs in rebounds (9.3 RPG) and assists (5.7 APG), further showcasing his evolution as a complete player. Tatum’s three-point shooting is particularly noteworthy, with career highs in both attempts (10.7 per game) and makes (4.0 per game), solidifying him as one of the league’s most potent perimeter threats.

The Celtics, meanwhile, boast an impressive 22-6 record, good for second in the NBA. Their offensive efficiency of 119.6 ranks third in the league, a remarkable feat given that offseason acquisition Kristaps Porziņģis has missed significant time due to injury. Boston’s roster depth remains one of their greatest strengths, with players like Jaylen Brown, Derrick White, Jrue Holiday, and Porziņģis providing All-Star-caliber contributions.

The MVP Race: Tatum’s Hurdles

Despite his stellar performance, Tatum faces significant obstacles in the MVP race. The competition this season is fierce, with players like Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luka Dončić posting jaw-dropping numbers. Jokić is averaging an absurd 31 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists per game, while Giannis is at 33 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. Even SGA and Luka have put up better raw stats than Tatum, with SGA averaging 30 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists per game.

Tatum’s other disadvantage lies in the strength of his supporting cast. The Celtics’ depth, while a key to their success, may dilute Tatum’s perceived impact. When Tatum is on the floor, the Celtics outscore opponents by 12.4 points per 100 possessions. When he’s off the court, the team still boasts a solid net rating of +4.7. For comparison, Jokić’s Nuggets are outscored by 14.3 points per 100 possessions when he sits, highlighting his singular importance. Similarly, SGA’s Thunder maintain a positive net rating without him but are significantly better with him on the floor.

Tatum’s MVP Case: What Needs to Happen?

For Tatum to climb the MVP ladder, he needs to address two key factors:

1. More Signature Performances: While his consistent excellence is impressive, Tatum will need more eye-popping stat lines like his recent 43-16-10 outing to compete with the likes of Jokić and Giannis. Regular 30-point games may not suffice in a season where “stat monsters” dominate headlines. Frequent 40-point games or additional triple-doubles could help close the gap.

2. Clear Team Dominance: The Celtics already have a stellar record, but creating a significant separation from the rest of the league would bolster Tatum’s MVP credentials. A dominant stretch that leaves Boston as the undisputed best team could tilt the narrative in his favor, especially given the team’s deep roster.

The Larger Picture

Winning MVP would cement Tatum’s status as one of the league’s premier players. While he has already achieved tremendous success, including leading the Celtics to the NBA Finals last year, there is a sense that Tatum is still chasing that one defining accolade. An MVP award or a Finals MVP would provide the validation that he is not just an All-NBA talent but a generational player.

However, the MVP award is notoriously difficult to win, especially for players who have yet to capture the league’s full attention. Tatum, along with other young stars like Luka and SGA, faces the challenge of breaking through in an era dominated by established giants like Jokić and Giannis.

For now, Tatum’s focus remains on leading the Celtics to championship glory. But as the season progresses, his performances will continue to be scrutinized—not just for their impact on Boston’s success but for how they stack up against the league’s elite. With the Celtics in prime position to contend for the title, Tatum’s journey toward MVP recognition is far from over.