Jayson Tatum's remarkable return from an Achilles tear was never likely to happen without a hitch.
Tatum has immediately made an impact for the Boston Celtics, averaging 19.1 points and 8.9 rebounds just 10 months removed from the Achilles injury. However, he's endured a shooting slump over the last two games.
After going 3-of-15 in Friday's win over the Memphis Grizzlies, Tatum didn't find his form Sunday. The All-NBA star scored 16 points on 6-of-16 shooting in a 102-92 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Celtics Blog's Noah Dalzell asked Tatum after the game if he's able to remain patient with himself while working his way back. Tatum acknowledged that it hasn't been easy.
"It’s tough in the moment, right? You try not to think about it. You just want to be Jayson Tatum and feel like yourself again," Tatum said. "I'm not Superman, so it's obviously gonna take some time. I think the next day, I can give myself a little more grace over certain things, but in the moment, it's frustrating."
Tatum is shooting 38.8 percent from the floor and 29.3 percent from downtown since his return. Both represent notable dips from his career 45.8 field-goal percentage and 36.8 percent three-point rate.
The 28-year-old noted his lengthy absence from shooting when reflecting on his slump, via Forbes' Bobby Krivitsky.
"I wouldn't say normal, because that's the first time I went through something like this," Tatum said. "It’s been a long time. A long time before I could shoot a basketball ... So, just trying to knock the rust off, game-by-game. I find great spurts and moments from game to game, and just trying to put more of it together."
Tatum will attempt to bounce back when the Celtics host the Oklahoma City Thunder in a potential NBA Finals preview on Wednesday night.
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