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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 19: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the first half of the game against the Golden State Warriors at TD Garden on January 19, 2023 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 beat the Golden State Warriors 120-99 at TD Garden on Wednesday night. Jaylen Brown poured in 32 points while Jayson Tatum added 24 points and 10 rebounds. Boston improved to 46-23 with its third straight win.
Tatum is seven games into his return from a ten-month absence following an Achilles rupture. He’s averaging 20.1 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists since coming back on March 6. The recovery timeline kept him away from basketball for the longest stretch of his professional career.
After the game, Tatum addressed an unexpected benefit of all that time away.
Tatum Opens Up About His Recovery
Jayson Tatum was asked by Noa Dalzell whether the Achilles recovery timeline allowed his previous wrist injuries to heal.
“A lot of time away from the game…no contact,” Tatum said. “The rest of my body got to heal up.”
Tatum revealed his wrist finally had time to heal.
Ten months away from basketball meant ten months without the wear and tear that comes with playing 82 games plus playoffs. No contact. No falls. And no jamming on drives to the basket or contesting rebounds.
The acknowledgment matters because Tatum has dealt with wrist issues at various points throughout his career. The injuries were never severe enough to keep him out long for the Celtics, but they were present enough to require management.
Noa Dalzell 🏀
Asked Jayson Tatum about whether the Achilles tendon recovery timeline allowed his previous wrist injuries to heal:
“A lot of time away from the game — no contact. The rest of my body got to heal up.”
The Wrist Issues Throughout Tatum’s Career
Jayson Tatum has worn some kind of wrist tape in some of the biggest moments of his career.
Game 6 on the road in Milwaukee. Game 7 against Philadelphia at home where he erupted for 51 points. The 2024 NBA Finals. The tape has been there.
Last season against the New York Knicks, Tatum debuted a celebration where he grabbed his wrist after big shots. Tatum credited Baylor Scheierman for it. It was a subtle hint at what he was dealing with physically.
Now, Tatum’s comments after Wednesday’s win confirmed good news for the Celtics. His wrist needed time to heal. The Achilles injury gave him that time.
GettyJayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates a basket against the New York Knicks during the first quarter in Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on May 12, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
What Wednesday Showed for the Celtics
Jayson Tatum delivered another solid performance against the Warriors.
He finished with 24 points and 10 rebounds in a balanced effort that helped Boston pull away in the second half. His shot looked clean. His movements looked fluid. Seven games into his return, the rhythm is starting to come back.
Jaylen Brown dominated Wednesday night. His 32 points moved him into 10th place on the Celtics’ all-time scoring list. Tatum sits at ninth. The two franchise cornerstones continue climbing the record books together.
After the game, head coach Joe Mazzulla addressed what it means to coach both players.
“I don’t take for granted being able to coach some of the best players in the game today, but some of the best players of all time,” Mazzulla said.
The comment reflected what Wednesday night showed. Brown and Tatum are both operating at elite levels. Brown is in the middle of an MVP-caliber season. Tatum is working his way back to full strength while contributing winning basketball.
The Celtics sit at 46-23 with their third straight win. They head to Memphis on Friday night to face the Grizzlies. Boston has won eight of its last eleven games and looks like a team capable of making a deep playoff run.
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Joe Mazzulla on what it means to be able to coach Jayson Tatum & Jaylen Brown:
“I don’t take for granted being able to coach some of the best players in the game today, but some of the best players of all time.”
Final Word for the Celtics
Seven games into his return, Tatum is averaging over 20 points per game while finding his rhythm alongside Brown. The Celtics are 46-23 and rolling. The partnership is working. The foundation is solid.
The Achilles recovery took him away from basketball for the longest stretch of his career. It also gave him something he needed. Time to heal completely.