The True Story Behind Jayson Tatum's Iconic "We Did It" Quote And His Unbreakable Championship Legacy

Jayson Tatum’s declaration of "We did it!" immediately following the Boston Celtics' 2024 NBA Finals victory was more than just a celebratory yell; it was the culmination of a seven-year journey filled with crushing defeats, immense pressure, and a relentless pursuit of greatness. As of today, December 10, 2025, that moment—captured as Tatum stood on the court, arms raised, with his son Deuce by his side—has become the definitive image of his transition from a perennial All-Star to an NBA champion, silencing a legion of critics who questioned his ability to lead a franchise to the mountain top. The phrase is now synonymous with the Celtics' record-breaking 18th championship banner, symbolizing a collective effort and a profound personal triumph over adversity. This iconic moment, which instantly became a viral meme and a rallying cry for the Celtics faithful, holds a surprisingly deep and personal meaning that stretches far beyond the basketball court. For Tatum, the "we" truly meant *we*—a nod to his family, his lifelong support system, and the entire team who had endured multiple Eastern Conference Finals heartbreaks and a previous Finals loss in 2022. Understanding the context of this simple three-word phrase is essential to grasping the full scope of Jayson Tatum's legacy and the significance of the 2024 title run.

Jayson Tatum: A Champion's Biography and Career Milestones

Jayson Christopher Tatum was born on March 3, 1998, in St. Louis, Missouri. His basketball journey began at Chaminade College Preparatory School, where he was a highly touted five-star recruit, before playing one season of college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski.

Key Biographical Profile

• Full Name: Jayson Christopher Tatum
• Born: March 3, 1998 (Age: 27 as of late 2025)
• Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
• College: Duke University (2016–2017)
• NBA Draft: 2017 / Round 1 / Pick 3 (Boston Celtics)
• Son: Jayson "Deuce" Tatum Jr.

Major Career Achievements and Awards (Updated to 2025)

• NBA Champion: 2024 (Boston Celtics)
• NBA All-Star: 6 times (2020–2025)
• All-NBA First Team: 4 times (2022–2025)
• NBA All-Star Game MVP: 2023
• Eastern Conference Finals MVP: 2022 (Inaugural winner)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team: 2018
• Olympic Gold Medal: 2020 (Tokyo)

Tatum’s ascent was rapid but not without its growing pains. He reached the Eastern Conference Finals five times in his first seven seasons, a testament to his talent and the Celtics’ consistent competitiveness, but the previous failures—especially the 2022 Finals loss to the Golden State Warriors—fueled the narrative that he couldn't close the deal. The 2024 title, secured against the Dallas Mavericks, finally exorcised those demons and cemented his place in Celtics lore.

The Deep Meaning of "We Did It": Family, Team, and Critics

The phrase "We did it!" resonated so powerfully because it was loaded with context, addressing multiple aspects of Tatum's highly scrutinized career. It was a moment of unfiltered, raw emotion that spoke to the collective effort required to win a championship in the modern NBA.

The Influence of His Mother: "We Did It" vs. "You Did It"

Perhaps the most touching and least-known origin of the phrase comes from a story involving Tatum’s mother, Brandy Cole. The tale, often shared by those close to him, suggests that when Tatum was celebrating a previous achievement, he told his mother, "You did it!" referring to her hard work and sacrifice. She reportedly corrected him, saying, "No, *we* did it," emphasizing the shared journey and support system. This simple lesson in humility and partnership resurfaced in the biggest moment of his professional life. By proclaiming "We did it!" Tatum was not just celebrating his performance, but acknowledging every person—from his mother to his teammates like Jaylen Brown and Al Horford—who contributed to the victory.

A Nod to Kevin Garnett and Celtics History

While the personal connection is key, the celebratory scream also carried a historical echo for Celtics fans. The phrase is reminiscent of another iconic, emotional championship moment: Kevin Garnett’s 2008 post-Finals scream of "ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!" For a franchise steeped in tradition, Tatum’s proclamation served as a modern equivalent, a moment of catharsis following a 16-year championship drought. It was a new generation of Celtics stars finally delivering the Larry O'Brien Trophy back to Boston, tying the franchise with the Lakers for the most titles in NBA history.

Silencing the Critics and Redefining the Legacy

The journey to the 2024 title was marked by intense scrutiny of Tatum's leadership. Critics often pointed to his occasional inefficient scoring or his tendency to defer in clutch moments, especially in the 2022 Finals loss. The "We did it!" quote, delivered with such conviction, was his definitive response. In the 2024 Finals, Tatum averaged a stellar 22.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists, showcasing his all-around game and leadership. He embraced the role of the primary playmaker, creating opportunities for others, even as Jaylen Brown secured the Finals MVP award. The victory allowed Tatum to flip the script entirely. As he stated in a post-championship interview, he now tells critics to "refer to me as an NBA champion." The championship instantly elevated his legacy from a great player to a guaranteed Hall of Famer and a proven winner.

The Celtics' 2024 Championship Run: A Team Effort

The 2024 title run was a masterclass in dominance, with the Boston Celtics losing only three games throughout the entire postseason. This historic performance was a collective achievement that truly justified Tatum's "We did it" sentiment.

The Unbreakable Duo: Tatum and Brown

The success of the 2024 team was built on the synergy between Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Often referred to as the "Jays," their partnership had been the subject of countless trade rumors and debates about their fit. The title validated the Celtics' commitment to their homegrown stars. While Brown earned the Finals MVP, Tatum's playmaking and rebounding were crucial, demonstrating a maturity to prioritize winning over individual accolades. The "We did it" quote perfectly encapsulates this shared success, recognizing that the championship was a dual-star achievement, not a solo mission.

Key Entities and Figures in the 2024 Triumph

• Jaylen Brown: Finals MVP and co-star.
• Al Horford: Veteran leader who won his first championship after 17 seasons.
• Derrick White: Defensive stalwart and clutch shooter.
• Jrue Holiday: Elite two-way guard and championship experience.
• Kristaps Porziņģis: Key acquisition who provided a dominant interior presence.
• Joe Mazzulla: Head Coach who guided the team to the league's best record.
• Brad Stevens: President of Basketball Operations who built the championship roster.

The journey from the draft night in 2017, through the multiple playoff failures, to the 2024 title has defined Jayson Tatum's career. His "We did it" is the ultimate expression of relief, pride, and shared accomplishment, forever linking him to the Boston Celtics' 18th championship banner and establishing his legacy as an undisputed NBA Champion.