Joe Mazzulla Praises Jayson Tatum's Ability to Empower Teammates

Jayson Tatum dished out a season-high 10 assists in the Celtics' 128-122 win over the Pistons on Thursday.

Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

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

Here's What Stood Out as 29 Post-Halftime Points from Porzingis Help Celtics Extend Pistons' Record Losing Streak

Jrue Holiday's Assertiveness Elevating Celtics' Offense

Jayson Tatum's Selflessness vs. Lakers Exemplifies Celtics' Maturation: 'Hopefully, It's Gonna Pay Off'

Celtics' Offensive Approach Outweighs Three-Point Struggles in Christmas Victory vs. Lakers

Jrue Holiday Discusses Celtics' Christmas Win vs. Lakers and What Set the Tone for 3-1 West Coast Trip

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'