Boston forward Jayson Tatum suited up for the first time in nearly 10 months on Friday night, drawing a roaring welcome from TD Garden fans as the Celtics beat the visiting opponent. The 26-year-old had been sidelined since he tore his right Achilles and underwent a lengthy rehabilitation process.
Tatum missed his first six field-goal attempts before a put-back dunk just before halftime settled his nerves. He went on to hit six of his next 10 shots and finished with 15 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists in 27 minutes.
“I really was just kind of grateful,” Tatum told reporters afterward. “The fact that I was able to even be out there today was a really big win for me.”
The All-NBA forward said there is no predetermined minute restriction and offered no hint about whether he will play Sunday afternoon in Cleveland.
Team exceeds expectations during his absence
Boston traded away several rotation players last summer to trim salary, leading many analysts to label 2025-26 a transition year. Instead, the Celtics have compiled the NBA’s fourth-best record at 42-21.
“Can’t commend the group enough and the coaching staff for how they attacked the season,” Tatum said. “I don’t know if there’s been a team that’s more fun to watch this season.”
On Thursday, the day before his return, Tatum addressed teammates, coaches and staff at a team meeting to thank them for their support during his rehab. Guard Derrick White said it was good to hear Tatum’s voice in a leadership role again.
Brown adjusts to new dynamic
With Tatum out, Jaylen Brown became Boston’s primary scoring option and produced career-best numbers that pushed him into the MVP conversation. Brown acknowledged Friday that reintegrating Tatum will require patience.
“It’s going to be a great challenge for me. It’s going to be a great challenge for all of us,” Brown said. “We’ve just got to be prepared for there to be some ups and downs.”
Rotation ripple effects
If head coach Joe Mazzulla continues to lean on a nine- or 10-man rotation, rookies Jordan Walsh and Ron Harper Jr. are the most likely players to see reduced minutes with Tatum back in the lineup, according to local reports.
Source: HoopsRumors
