Jared Sullinger enjoys big night for Celtics

Boston Celtics forward Jared Sullinger was a major contributor during the Celtics' Christmas Day victory over the Brooklyn Nets. In possibly his best game as a pro, Sullinger finished with 16 points, shooting 6 for 7 from the field and grabbing seven rebounds in 33 minutes off the bench.

He ended up with the highest plus/minus of any member of the Celtics (+21) and more than made up for his disappointing performance last time the Celtics played the Nets in Brooklyn.

Celtics head coach Doc Rivers praised his rookie in the Chicago Tribune for playing through the things that hindered him in the past.

"Jared was sensational. I saw him tonight and I didn't see a rookie at all. He doesn't get frustrated easily anymore. I think other people around the country saw that Jared could play a little."

Sullinger has found a consistent spot in the big man rotation on the Celtics, routinely getting more minutes than starting center Jason Collins. With Sullinger, Jeff Green and Brandon Bass coming off the bench, Rivers can mix and match his frontline to fit whomever they're playing. Sullinger's improvement gives Rivers another big body to put on the low block to knock some bodies around next a strong but slender Kevin Garnett.

In Sullinger's previous four games, his highest point total was four and the most minutes he played was 16.