Jayson Tatum talks rebounding performance during Nets loss originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics got off to another slow start on Wednesday evening vs. the Brooklyn Nets, but their superstar didn’t allow them to fall back into the same patterns that cost them Tuesday’s loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

Jayson Tatum dropped 13 points in the first quarter to help the C’s cut a 13-point deficit to two heading into the second quarter. He kept his foot on the gas pedal for the rest of the game, finishing with a game-high 36 points to go with 10 assists and nine rebounds.

He spoke with Abby Chin of NBC Sports Boston after leading the Celtics to an emphatic 139-114 win on the second night of the back-to-back.

“I just wanted to bounce back,” Tatum said. “That’s the good thing about the NBA: There’s always another game. … We didn’t have a good feeling when we got on that plane last night, but we were excited about another opportunity to respond, and I knew we would play well today.”

Wednesday’s performance was possibly Tatum’s best of the season so far. He dominated with the ball in his hand as he set his teammates up for success and cleared the boards. He had just one turnover after contributing five of Boston’s 20 turnovers in Tuesday’s loss.

“I just take what the defense gives me. I work really hard on this game, I put a lot into it and I like to give myself credit for being able to do a little bit of everything when I’m here,” he said. said.

Tatum played alongside Jaylen Brown, who ended up with a season-high 24 points and 12 rebounds while sporting a game-high +27. The five-time All-Star said when he and Brown get going, it will be a game-changer for the C’s.

“It’s super important,” Tatum said. “Just setting the tone with energy and things like that. You’re not always making shots, but are you impacting the game? Are you getting other guys open? Are you attacking the rim? Are you asserting yourself on both ends of the court? match? the floor? And that’s what Joe (Mazzulla) challenges us to do every night.”

The Celtics will enjoy a few days of rest before returning home to take on the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night. Tip-off for that game is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET on NBC Sports Boston.

Watch Tatum’s full interview with Abby Chin in the video player above.