WASHINGTON — Jayson Tatum dropped his long held focus to win NBA MVP last year. In the past, he admitted it was among the goals for his career. With so much built up in Boston winning the 2024 championship, he began stressing team over individual accomplishment.
That changed slightly on Thursday with ring in hand after another runaway win where he and his fellow starters took a seat early in the fourth quarter. Despite only playing about six quarters to that point, Tatum averaged 31.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, 8.0 assists and 1.0 steal per game while shooting 60.5% from the field and 50% from three in the Celtics’ first two games. He posted 37 points on 12-of-26 shooting (6-13 3PT) in 38 minutes…
