Early in the game, with over a dozen pounds of muscle added this summer, Jayson Tatum was operating near the high post. He backed down the Knicks' Quentin Grimes with ease as he turned around and got a simple two over him.
The Celtics defeated the Knicks 123-110 with their potent ball movement and scorching 44.2 percent from three. Leading the way were Tatum's 28 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and three steals while shooting 9-15 from the field and 5-8 from three.
Tatum credited the new Celtics' assistant coach, Sam Cassell, as the two have been seen working a lot after practice on Tatum's moves and post-ups.
"That's something that we work on every day after practice," said Tatum. "Just a little bit at a time, and you know, like I said, that's something we do every single day after practice."
Tatum had a lot of praise for Cassell and his experience, knowing how well-respected he is as a champion.
"It's been great," Tatum said of having Cassell as his position coach. "You know, he talks a lot; he's a very animated guy, a lot of personality, but he's, you know, very funny. A lot of great stories, and he knows a lot. He played 14–15 years in this league, well-respected, and it's great to have somebody that has been a player, had a lot of success, won championships. Learning a lot, and we love having him around."
Tatum went on to further explain why he decided to work with Cassell in particular. He told a story from a time with a close friend in the league that sparked the idea.
"I think I was like a freshman in high school going to see the Washington Wizards play when Brad (Beal) was out there," he said. "I remember Sam (Cassell) was his position coach, and you know, they had a great relationship. I remember talking to Brad when Sam got the job; Brad spoke very highly of him and how much he felt like he helped him early in his career."
With his added strength and new reps with Cassell, Tatum can get back to his array of shot-making in the paint more consistently. Another MVP-caliber season could await the three-time All-NBA figure.
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