Jayson Tatum gave Boston Celtics fans a huge scare on Monday night, but his injury may not be as bad as it initially seemed.
Tatum went down with a scary looking ankle injury after landing on the foot of Domantas Sabonis during Boston’s 113-95 win over the Sacramento Kings (video here). Sabonis was called for a flagrant foul, and Tatum ended up taking two free throws as a result (he made one of them).
Tatum exited the game after his two free throw attempts and headed to the locker room. He did not return to the game.
Jayson Tatum in a Celtics jersey
May 27, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) during the fourth quarter during game four of the eastern conference finals for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Though Tatum did not speak with the media, the good news is he did not have a boot on his ankle after the game — at least not when reporters were in the locker room, according to Adam Himmelsbach.
Jayson Tatum isn’t being made available for interviews.
He’s at his locker eating and joking with teammates and wearing sneakers on both feet though.
— Adam Himmelsbach (@AdamHimmelsbach) March 25, 2025
Tatum being able to wear shoes after that is seemingly a great sign about the severity of the injury.
Boston is 53-19 and attempting to go back-to-back as champions. The last thing they would need is for Tatum to sprain an ankle with just a few weeks to go before the playoffs begin.
Despite his injury, Tatum still led the Celtics with 25 points in the game. He is averaging 27.2 points, 8.7 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game on the season.