Jayson Tatum's defense of Ja Morant was impressive

Many Boston Celtics players didn't hesitate to ask Joe Mazzulla to be given the difficult defensive assignment on the star guard as Ja Morant sought to will the Memphis Grizzlies to victory late in the fourth quarter on Monday. While the interim head coach of the Celtics said that the "whole team" wanted to pick up Morant, Mazzulla ultimately assigned Jayson Tatum the bulk of the defensive load during the game's closing minutes.

Tatum proved up to the responsibility of being Boston's defensive anchor while being more well-known for his offensive abilities, which was on display in his 39-point performance in the 109-106 victory over the Grizzlies. Tatum has demonstrated increased defensive skills, Tatum successfully defended Morant by causing the fourth-year pro to shoot 0 for 4 from the field when Tatum was his main defender. He blocked two of those missed shots by Morant.