Jayson Tatum said he tried to put on a show for Denzel Washington during 40-point performance

Jayson Tatum said he tried to put on a show for Denzel Washington during 40-point performance

There were numerous celebrities in attendance for Celtics-Knicks Saturday night. Chris Rock, Larry David, and Denzel Washington were just a few of those in attendance.

But it was Jayson Tatum who stole the show. Tatum scored 40 points and made seven of his 14 3-point attempts as the Celtics coasted to a 131-104 victory over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.

After the game, Tatum was asked what his mindset was like heading into the nationally televised game. The Celtics were coming off a loss to Dallas in a rematch of last year’s NBA Finals. Anthony Davis did not play in that game, and the Mavericks still won easily.

But, the Celtics were able to regain their footing Saturday night and leave the divisional showdown with a win.

“We lost last game, and then finding out that KP was out right before the game, knew it was going to be a challenge,” Tatum said. “And then I saw Denzel Washington sitting courtside and I was excited about that.”

“Had to put on a show?” a reporter asked Tatum.

“Tried to,” Tatum responded.

The Celtics jumped out to a double-digit lead in the first quarter and held it. Tatum was the catalyst, scoring the first basket of the game on a dunk over New York’s Precious Achiuwa. Tatum got to the rim consistently, and his 3-point shot was falling.

Tatum said he does not take the feeling of playing well at Madison Square Garden for granted.

“Besides Boston, it’s probably the best place to play,” Tatum said. “They’ve got all the celebrities. But, they also have an edge about them. They know basketball, they’re passionate, they’re chanting and cheering the whole time, so it is a special place to play.”

Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said Tatum’s performance was special.

“He was ready to play and that was special,” Mazzulla said. “Just thought he did a great job taking what the defense gave him, whether it was for him or for his teammates. His ability to just play versus different coverages throughout the game, gwt the shot that he wants and play with his sense of poise. That was a special performance.”

Payton Pritchard, who scored 25 points off the bench in the win, said Tatum set the tone for the win.

“I thought Jayson did an unbelievable job tonight too,” Pritchard said. “He didn’t rush his shots, he got to his spots, and he was money. He broke the lead open for us and that’s what a superstar does, what he did tonight.”