Sullinger credits mom for rebounding prowess: 'She gave me her booty'

Why is Boston Celtics big man Jared Sullinger so dominant on the glass? Because he's got them good genes in his jeans.

Sullinger, who gobbled up 36 rebounds over the past two games, said the secret to his success is good parenting on the part of his mom, Barbara, according to Taylor C. Snow from Celtics.com.

"My mom," Sullinger said. "That’s a blessing my mom gave me; she gave me her booty, so I can give all the credit to my mama."

Even after slimming down in the offseason, Sullinger still remains somewhat rotund. But since he has nimble feet, a quick first jump (he doesn't get up that high), and a natural intuitive sense of where the ball is going, Sullinger is able to leverage his heft into carving out space in the paint.

By combining his improved fitness with his plump rump, Sullinger is grabbing rebounds at a career-best rate. He's snagging 29.1 percent of all available defensive rebounds, and 20.6 percent of total rebounds - up from 20.9 and 15.4 percent respectively.

As a result, Sullinger is playing the best basketball of his life, and he's played a pivotal role as the starting center for the upstart Celtics.

On behalf of all Celtics fans: Thanks, mama Barbara.