Jayson Tatum appeared to be writhing in pain for about two minutes after he landed on Domantas Sabonis's foot on Monday, but there were no obvious indications that anything was amiss after the Celtics victory.
Jayson Tatum appeared to be writhing in pain for about two minutes after he landed on Domantas Sabonis's foot on Monday, but there were no obvious indications that anything was amiss after the Celtics victory.Sara Nevis/Associated Press
PHOENIX — Celtics forward Jayson Tatum is listed as doubtful for Wednesday’s game against the Suns due to the left ankle sprain he suffered in Boston’s win over the Kings on Monday.
With Boston all but locked into the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, the team could err on the side of caution in the coming days, but the fact that Tatum has not yet been ruled out is an encouraging sign.
With 3 minutes, 35 seconds left in the third quarter Monday, Tatum took a 3-pointer from the left arc and landed on the foot of King star Domantas Sabonis. Tatum tumbled to the ground, clenched his left ankle with both hands, and appeared to be writhing in pain for about two minutes before limping to the bench with assistance.
Sabonis was called for a flagrant foul, and Tatum stayed in the game to attempt the ensuing free throw before walking to the locker room with a slight limp. He declined to speak with reporters after the game, but there were no obvious indications that anything was amiss.
Tatum was in good spirits as he ate his postgame meal at his locker. He was not wearing a protective boot or using crutches, and he showed almost no signs of a limp when he walked out of the locker room later while wearing sneakers.
Sabonis, who had just returned from a three-game absence due to his own ankle injury, was remorseful.
“I feel horrible,” he said. “I’ve had a crazy month myself, personally, and you never want that to happen, so I apologize.”
Adam Himmelsbach can be reached at adam.himmelsbach@globe.com. Follow him @adamhimmelsbach.