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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)
Wednesday night’s game between the Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors marked the return of Kristaps Porzingis at TD Garden Arena.
Just as Porzingis made his return to his home over the last two years, the veteran forward Jayson Tatum was back on the court for his sixth game since debuting after a long recovery.
After seeing his former teammate in action following a long recovery from an Achilles tear, Porzingis dropped his honest thoughts on how Tatum looked in his 31 minutes of action.
Jayson Tatum Gets Honest Assessment From Kristaps Porzingis
Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, Celtics
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 17: Kristaps Porzingis #8 high fives Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics after a play against the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter of Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
via CLNS: “He looks good, honestly. His shot was falling already. Looks like he’s not rusty at all. Just looked a little heavy, that’s all. He needs to lose a couple pounds and he’ll be flying again.”
Celtics on CLNS
Kristaps Porzingis on how Jayson Tatum looked:
“He looks good, honestly. His shot was falling already. Looks like he’s not rusty at all. Just looked a little heavy, that’s all. He needs to lose a couple pounds and he’ll be flying again.” – @CLNSMedia | Q: @RealBobManning
Jokes aside, Porzingis saw a strong version of Tatum on Wednesday night.
As the recovering forward clocked over 30 minutes for the third time this year, he had an efficient shooting outing by going 7-15 from the field. Tatum dropped five of his 11 shots from three and made all but one of his shots from the charity stripe.
The veteran forward produced 24 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
Only Jaylen Brown outscored Tatum on the night. The All-Star checked in for 35 minutes, going 11-20 from the field and putting up 32 points, six rebounds, and five assists.
The Celtics defeated the Warriors 120-99.
Comeback Season For Jayson Tatum
CLEVELAND, OHIO – MARCH 08: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics yells to a teammate during the second quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena on March 08, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. 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 Jason Miller/Getty Images)
Tatum isn’t getting a ton of time to get settled in this season, but he’s certainly making the most of his time in March.
Since making his debut on March 6, Tatum has played in all but one game for the Celtics. He missed the team’s March 12 matchup against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Before Wednesday’s action, Tatum posted averages of 20.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists over those five matchups.
Porzingis only has an opportunity to watch Tatum from afar. After spending the last two years as Boston-based teammates, Porzingis was dealt to the Atlanta Hawks during the 2026 offseason.
Ahead of the 2026 trade deadline, the Hawks moved Porzingis to the Warriors, who were hoping to climb back into a top-six spot in the Western Conference. Instead, injuries have piled up—and so have the losses.
After a beatdown from the Celtics, the Warriors are 33-6 on the year. They were passed on the standings, as the Portland Trail Blazers jumped the Warriors for the ninth seed. Golden State has a comfortable lead over the Memphis Grizzlies, but finishing with the final Play-In spot isn’t out of the question.
As for Tatum and the Celtics, they are in excellent shape. At 46-23, they hold second place in the East.