Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics needed revenge to avoid consecutive losses for the first time this season, and on Saturday night the five-time All-Star delivered – historic.

Tatum scored a game-high 43 points along with 15 rebounds and 10 assists. This makes the 26-year-old the first player in Celtics history to achieve a triple-double with 40 points, 15 rebounds and 10 assists – he is also the 12th in NBA history to do so. But more importantly, it allowed the Celtics to shake off Thursday night’s defeat with a commanding 123-98 win over the Chicago Bulls at the United Center.

“It just felt like he was playing, playing in a rhythm, and then all of a sudden when he started making shots and getting to the basket, it was like an avalanche,” Kristaps Porzingis told reporters at NBC Sports Boston featured postgame coverage. “And overall a nice game from him, even though it looks like he stole a few of my rebounds. They gave it to him, but it’s okay, it’s JT. … These are the best games – when you don’t force anything. He didn’t force anything. He just made the right play. And most of the time he just attacks when he makes the right play and creates something for us. And tonight he did it at a super high level.”

Boston and Chicago were neck and neck regardless of what the final score might suggest, but Tatum made the difference. The Bulls trailed by just five points midway through the third quarter, giving Chicago plenty of time to hold off the Celtics again. However, Tatum’s aggressive drive ensured there was no chance of déjà vu.

Tatum scored 27 points in the second half – including 18 in the third quarter – and finished the night with nine 3-pointers, putting him in position to record his first triple-double of the season in the fourth quarter. However, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla reiterated that achieving a triple-double was the least of Tatum’s worries.

When asked if Tatum asked to be called in to score the final assist needed for the triple-double, Mazzulla answered bluntly.

“He wouldn’t stand for that,” Mazzulla told reporters, as seen in NBC Sports Boston’s postgame coverage. “No, he wouldn’t. There were a few times where I actually didn’t pay attention and didn’t use him, and afterward I had to apologize to him because sometimes I feel like that’s something that should be rewarded because of what our guys do for each other. “

Tatum’s ability to transcend outside discourse, demonstrated in the NBA Finals last season, remains one of the eight-year veteran’s greatest strengths. Mazzulla understands the scrutiny that Tatum’s performances will be scrutinized on a nightly basis, which only makes the third-year head coach more appreciative of what he brings to the table.

“I think every time you see a guy play like that, you’re kind of fascinated by it,” Mazzulla said. “But I thought he got it as the game went on. I don’t think he’s gone beyond what we do and that’s a testament to him. Just his shooting technique, his decision making and his ability to rebound. It’s just great. I thought he controlled the entire game with his poise and decisiveness and took advantage of what the defense gave him.”

Mazzulla added: “I still think he’s being taken for granted.”