Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum said the left knee stiffness that forced him to watch Game 7 of the Eastern Conference first-round series against the Philadelphia 76ers in street clothes was “unfortunate timing.”
Tatum spoke Sunday, one day after Boston’s 109–100 loss at TD Garden ended the club’s season. The 26-year-old was ruled out less than two hours before Saturday’s tipoff, completing a rapid change in status that began with no listing on the injury report and shifted to “questionable” by mid-afternoon.
“I worked really, really hard to come back and play at the level I was playing at, so for it to end the way it did was a tough pill to swallow,” Tatum said. The game marked the Celtics’ collapse from a 3-1 series lead, making them the 14th team in NBA history—and just the fourth with home-court advantage—to lose a best-of-seven after leading by three games to one.
Return-to-play protocol halted Game 7 bid
Tatum explained that medical staff and personal trainer Nick Sang determined he could not play because he remains inside the team’s return-to-play protocol following last season’s torn right Achilles. “There were certain rules and a plan we had to stick to,” he said.
The All-NBA wing indicated the knee issue is considered day-to-day and that he expected to rejoin the lineup had Boston advanced to the second round.
Strong numbers despite limited capacity
Tatum estimated he has been operating at 80–85 percent of full strength since returning less than 10 months after surgery in New York. He averaged 21.8 points, 10.0 rebounds and 5.3 assists across 16 regular-season games, then posted 23.3 points, 10.7 rebounds and 6.8 assists over the series’ first six contests.
Season exceeded expectations
Boston finished the regular season with 56 wins and the East’s No. 2 seed, entering the playoffs favored to reach the NBA Finals. Tatum rejected the idea that the campaign should be labeled a disappointment, praising the growth of teammates and the collective effort that followed his midseason return.
Looking ahead
With his right leg still slightly shorter than his left, Tatum said a full offseason of rehabilitation will help him regain pre-injury form. He also defended his decision to come back this year rather than wait the typical 18-month recovery window, hoping his experience can “give other guys hope” after similar injuries.
Source: ESPN
