Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Mazzulla Praises Jayson Tatum's Ability to Empower Teammates
On Thursday, the Boston Celtics picked up a 128-122 win against the Detroit Pistons. This was Detroit’s 28th consecutive loss of the season.
Jayson Tatum totaled 31 points and a game-high 10 assists. Per Inside The Celtics, Joe Mazzulla discussed Jayson Tatum’s willingness to empower teammates.
“Tonight, he was needed to do a little bit of everything. His ability to handle the pick-and-roll, screen, get to his spot, his ability to defend, his ability to stand in the corner and empower KP, empower D. White pick-and-rolls… That is value. That is leadership.”
Kristaps Porzingis registered a game-high 35 points on 13-for-21 field-goal shooting. Derrick White, the Celtics’ leading scorer in overtime, accumulated 23 points.
During the final minute of overtime, Tatum rebounded the ball and quickly passed it across the court to a transitioning Porzingis. The Latvia native pump-faked and dunked, giving Boston a six-point lead it never relinquished.
Boston's next game is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 29, against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden; tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. EST.
Further Reading
Jrue Holiday's Assertiveness Elevating Celtics' Offense
Celtics' Offensive Approach Outweighs Three-Point Struggles in Christmas Victory vs. Lakers
Joe Mazzulla Says Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis Are ‘Willing To Wear Many Different Hats'
Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'
Jayson Tatum Joins PR Team for Derrick White’s All-Star Campaign
Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'
An Empowered Jaylen Brown Strives to Balance Scoring with Playmaking: 'I've Grown A Lot'
Joe Mazzulla Believes Celtics' Second Unit is 'Starting to Develop an Identity'
