Jayson Tatum's Viral Quote After Boston Celtics Win Game 2

Jayson Tatum met with the media after the Boston Celtics won Game 2.

Jun 6, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts in the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks during game one of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports / David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

On Sunday evening, the Boston Celtics won Game 2 of the NBA Finals (at home) by a score of 105-98.

Jayson Tatum finished his night with 18 points, nine rebounds, 12 assists and one steal while shooting 6/22 from the field and 1/7 from the three-point range in 45 minutes of playing time.

The All-Star forward struggled to shoot the ball, but he did an excellent job of running the offense and facilitating his teammates.

After the game, Tatum met with the media and one his quotes got a lot of attention (h/t NBA TV).

Tatum: "I've been here before, and we didn't win. We're so close to what we're trying to accomplish. Why would I let my ego or my need to score all the points get in the way of that? There are going to be times where I need to score. Obviously, I need to shoot better, golly. We always talk about do whatever it takes, for however long it takes. If I need to have 16 potential assists every single night, and that's what puts us in the best position to win and doesn't mean I'm the leading scorer, by all means, if that gives us the best chance to win, sign me up."

“I’ve been here before and we didn’t win. We’re so close to what we’re trying to accomplish. Why would I let my ego or my need to score get in the way of that?”

Jayson Tatum on his playmaking ability and willingness to do whatever the team needs to win 🙌 pic.twitter.com/N08R2zBEn2

— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 10, 2024

The Celtics have a 2-0 lead in the series, and the teams will head to Dallas for the next two games.

Game 3 will be on Wednesday evening.

Jun 9, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) and forward Jayson Tatum (0) and guard Jaylen Brown (7) celebrate after defeating the Dallas Mavericks in game two of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports / David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

The Celtics won their last title during the 2008 season when they still had Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce on the roster.