The Boston Celtics have taken a 2-0 series lead in the 2024 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks, despite their star Jayson Tatum yet to score more than 20 points in the series.

Generally regarded as the best player on the Celtics after making the All-NBA First Team for the past three seasons, Tatum has struggled with his shooting in the championship round, but he seems unfazed by it.

"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?," the 26-year-old told reporters in the post-game press conference.

Tatum's teammates have stepped up their scoring, with Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis leading the way in Game 1 with 21 and 20 points, respectively.

Jrue Holiday scored 26 points in their Game 2 win, leading to discussions about potentially awarding the 2024 NBA Finals MVP to one of Tatum's teammates.

Jayson Tatum has struggled shooting in the 2024 NBA Finals

Tatum has shot 6-of-16 for 16 points in Game 1 and 6-of-22 for 18 points in Game 2, totaling 12-of-38 from the field (31.6 percent) for the series.

Despite this, the five-time NBA All-Star has excelled in other parts of the game, leading his team in rebounds in Game 1 with 11 and assists in Game 2 with 12.

"If I need to have 16 potential assists every single night and that's what puts us in the best positon to win, and it doesn't mean I'm the leading scorer... sign me up," the five-time NBA All-Star assured.