In Boston's six games since January 29, Jared Sullinger is averaging 18 points and 12.8 rebounds, a significant increase over his season averages of 13.4 points and 8.3 boards. The second-year center out of Ohio State broke out in Boston's January 29 game against Philadelphia, scoring 24 points and hauling in 17 rebounds, and he hasn't looked back since.
His secret to success? The Lion King. Sullinger estimates he's watched the Disney movie in its entirety every single non-game day since the 29th, and he doesn't plan on stopping any time soon. The movie reminds Sullinger of his father, whose tough-love message kept him on track through a tumultuous year in Boston.
“I think my favorite part is when Simba realizes he has to go back because he’s disrespecting his father,” Sullinger told Basketball Insiders. “His father pretty much laid the foundation down of who he is, and he forgot about it because he thought running away from his problems will finally erase the memories that happened. But at the end of the day, the only way to leave memories is by learning from them.”
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