Jayson Tatum Postgame Interview | Celtics vs Wizards

TD Garden, Boston, Mass. — Jayson Tatum was interviewed after his big night in Boston’s win. On his 50 point performance, Tatum said “I don’t really get caught up in those who think I am a superstar and those that don’t… I know that my teammates, I’ve earned their respect, I’ve earned the respect of the guys I play against and the coaches…that’s all that matters.”

On getting physical and attacking the rim, Tatum said “I just wanted to be aggressive tonight… just trying to put the pressure on the defense.”

When asked how he was feeling and his struggles with the after-effects of COVID-19, Tatum said “It was tough, a tough night… we knew what was at stake, I knew I was going to play a lot… just trying to get that extra breath… I guess I am proud of myself… trying to get back to full strength… obviously it took me some time… it’s hard to understand what it’s like to come back from something like that [COVID] without having it, without being an athlete… I guess you can say that I came a long way.”

With the tough challenge of the Nets looming, Tatum acknowledged the Celtics situation. “Obviously it’s going to be tough without JB… we know how good of a team they are… excited to get this opportunity to be in the playoffs… it’s my fourth year in a row, I don’t take that for granted… we’re excited, you know, it’s the playoffs.”

On the team’s passing efforts on the night with 20 assists, Tatum said “It’s going to take more than that… sharing the ball and everybody contributing, you know, that’s how you win basketball games; it’s a group effort.”

Tatum was asked about his scoring outburst, and if this was the way he wanted to lead. “Like I said earlier, everybody’s different,” Tatum said. “A lot of people necessarily want me to lead a certain way… everybody is different, every person, personality, the way you grew up is different… my demeanor, I’m much more reserved… I show up everyday and I try to lead by example… I talk to guys all the time in the huddle and in the locker room… I think that’s just the way I approach it… that’s me and I’m going to be me.”