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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - SEPTEMBER 24: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics speaks to the media during Boston Celtics Media Day at The Auerbach Center on September 24, 2024 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 Malhotra/Getty Images)
The return of Jayson Tatum had TD Garden rocking on Friday, March 6.
The Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks faced off for what was anything but a routine regular-season game. The return of the MVP-caliber forward generated so much hype, and Tatum made sure the night lived up to expectations.
Following the game, Tatum explained the emotions he had throughout day, leading up to the moment he suited up and took the court.
“It was surreal. It was an emotional day,” he said following the game.
“It’s been a long journey. God is the greatest. To get me to this point, there was many days I dreamed about this. And for it to finally happen—share it with my family and teammates, the crowd—It was everything I could’ve dreamed of.”
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During the 2025 NBA Playoffs, the Celtics were struggling against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The series went from bad to worse for Boston after Tatum suffered a torn Achilles. He was one of three All-Stars to go down with that same injury during the same playoff run. He’s the only one who will play this season.
Jayson Tatum Admits The Dark Times
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 06: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates after scoring against the Dallas Mavericks during the second quarter at TD Garden on March 06, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
From the start of Tatum’s recovery journey, he was clearly a man on a mission. He intended to return to the court in less than a year, but some doubt was sprinkled throughout the process.
An emotional Tatum admitted his doubts while acknowledging there were dark times.
“It’s been tough. Emotional. A lot of times I doubted myself,” Tatum explained. “A lot of nights I spent crying. I just try to keep showing up every day. Try to put my best foot forward. I still got a long way to go, but this was a huge step for me.”
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“I still got a long way to go, but this was a huge step for me.” ❤️
Jayson Tatum after playing his first game since his Achilles tear 🙌
Tatum got the nod to start in his first game back. He didn’t have a strict cap on his playing time, but he clocked in for just under 30 minutes (27, to be exact). The star forward showed some early rust, but settled in rather quickly.
By the end of the night, Tatum had 15 points (6-16 FG. 3-8 3PT). He also came down with 12 rebounds and produced two assists.
The Celtics dominated the struggling Mavericks with a 120-100 win.
As Tatum mentioned, he’s got a long way to go before he returns to his truest form. However, the return might’ve gone better than anybody had expected. And he returns to a favorable situation in Boston.
A win over the Mavs advanced the Celtics to a 42-21 record. They trail the first-seeded Detroit Pistons by 4.0 games. The Celtics will return to the court on Sunday afternoon to face the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tatum’s status for that matchup has not been revealed yet. If he gets the afternoon off, then he could eye the Tuesday, March 10, matchup for his next showing.