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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - OCTOBER 15: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics sits on the bench during the preseason game against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden on October 15, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The Boston Celtics pulled off a 19-point comeback on the road Thursday night, beating the Miami Heat 119-114 at Kaseya Center.
Anfernee Simons led the charge with an impressive 39 points. The win extended Boston’s winning streak in Miami to nine games and improved the Celtics to 25-15, second in the Eastern Conference.
But the biggest moment of the night may have come after the final buzzer.
A video emerged following the victory that has Celtics fans buzzing. And the timing of it could not be more significant.
What Happened After the Final Buzzer
Video surfaced shortly after Boston’s win in Miami showing Jayson Tatum on the sideline.
While there is no clear audio, lip-readers have interpreted Tatum as saying “I’m ready.”
The timing is notable. Thursday marked approximately eight months since Tatum ruptured his Achilles tendon. Back in May 2025, Chris Haynes reported that Tatum’s father expected his son to be out “8-9 months”. That projection placed a potential return sometime in late January or February.
Now, the timeline has arrived. And Tatum may have just confirmed it.
Legion Hoops
Jayson Tatum tonight at the end of the Celtics/Heat game:
“I’m ready.” 👀
(h/t @Fullcourtpass)
The Celtics Do Not Need To Rush
Boston’s performance without Tatum has removed the urgency to rush him back. The Celtics sit at 25-15, trailing the Detroit Pistons by just 4.5 games for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
Jaylen Brown has carried the offensive load while positioning himself in MVP conversations. Derrick White has been playing at a fringe All-Star level. The supporting cast has been consistent.
There is no need to force Tatum back before he is ready. If and when he returns, it will be because his body supports it, not because the team demands it.
How Boston Pulled Off the Comeback in Miami
Thursday’s win required resilience.
The Celtics fell behind 19 points in the first quarter. Miami built what looked like an insurmountable lead early. Boston’s starters struggled to generate anything offensively, and the Heat capitalized.
But Boston’s bench kept them in it.
Simons checked in and immediately provided a scoring punch. He knocked down threes and attacked the basket, cutting into Miami’s lead. Luka Garza joined him in the effort, and the two combined for 24 first-half points.
Boston chipped away in the third quarter, and Simons took over in the fourth.
He poured in 18 points in the final period, hitting clutch shots when the Celtics needed them most. Miami had no answer.
The 39-point performance was a season high for Simons and a reminder of the depth Boston has built this season. The Celtics have won games in different ways all year, and Thursday was another example of their ability to weather early adversity and find a way to close.
The Eastern Conference is wide open. Detroit leads the standings, but Boston has been climbing steadily. If Tatum returns healthy and finds his rhythm before the playoffs, the Celtics become one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
Final Word for the Celtics
Jayson Tatum may have just sent the clearest signal yet.
“I’m ready.”
The timeline supports it. Eight months since the injury. Eight to nine months was the projection. And now, Tatum appears to be telling everyone what they have been waiting to hear.
Boston has not made an official announcement. There is still no confirmed return date. But the video from Thursday night, combined with the timing, suggests Tatum’s comeback is closer than ever.
The Celtics have built something special without him. Now, they may be about to get their franchise cornerstone back just as the season reaches its most critical stretch.