Though the series isn’t over, the Boston Celtics hold a 3-0 lead on the Dallas Mavericks and will play Game 4 on Friday.

Many analysts and reporters have been debating since Game 2 on who should be the Finals Most Valuable Player right now. At one point it was Jrue Holiday after leading the C’s in points and boards in Game 2, Porzingis went off in Game 1–but let’s be real, it’s between the two stars. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are the topic of conversation if the C’s were to end the series quickly. And for me, it’s Jayson Tatum, here’s three reasons why:

Tatum has been guarding every position

In this series, the Celtics haven’t been double teaming the Mavericks’ top players, and most of that is because of the one on one defending ability the C’s possess. Much like most of the playoffs when Porzingis was out, it’s been Tatum who’s been doing a great job defending Dallas’ front court. Tatum has been defending on the post, got switched out to Luka on the perimeter, and has been rebounding like a center this entire series. Defensively, it’s been a master class for Tatum which gets overlooked because he doesn’t get the glamorous blocks or steals like the ones Brown, White, or Holiday get.

He’s gotten doubled every drive… and is still effective on offense

From Game 1, it was clear that the Mavs wanted to make sure Tatum didn’t get going offensively and force the C’s to make outside shots once he kicks. Dallas has made a shell around the paint in case Tatum drives so they can help out. They’ve also put multiple defenders on Tatum from guards to bigs in hopes to give different looks. However, Tatum led the team with 31 points in Game 3. He struggled in shooting for the first two games but still managed to get buckets, assists, and get to the free throw line. Many people are fixated on the big shots Brown has hit, and although it has been monumental, Brown might not get those looks if the focus wasn’t so much on Tatum.

He’s the best player on the Celtics

There’s a debate about the Finals MVP in whether the player who’s playing the best deserves it, but most of the time it goes to the best player on the winning team. Tatum is the best player on the Celtics. Yes, Brown has played tremendously on both ends of the floor, made big plays, and has been a leader–but Tatum is still the best player on the Celtics. It’s still Tatum who’s getting the most attention but still got a double-double in Game 2, dropped 31 points in Game 3, and defending all positions. Please don’t let Brown’s shot-making confuse you with who’s the best player on the Celtics. It’s still the former Dukey.