The Boston Celtics opened their first-round series against the Orlando Magic with a commanding 103-86 win at TD Garden, but Game 1 was not without its controversy. A flagrant foul by Magic guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope on Jayson Tatum late in the game sparked frustration from the Celtics’ side, particularly veteran Al Horford, who accused Caldwell-Pope of going too far ( via Celtics on CLNS).
The play, which saw Tatum taken down mid-air, resulted in a hard fall that left him clutching his right wrist. He remained in the game, however, finishing with a 17-point, 14-rebound double-double. Tatum had his arms taped for the remainder of the game, but concern quickly turned to his availability going forward.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Tatum was later diagnosed with a bone bruise in his right wrist. The injury also landed him on Boston’s injury report as “doubtful” for Game 2. Notably, Tatum has never missed a postseason game in his career, appearing in all 114 playoff contests since his debut in 2018.
As debate swirled around the officiating and the foul itself, NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal offered a pointed response during TNT’s postgame coverage.
“SFW, so freaking what?” O’Neal said bluntly. “It’s playoff basketball. I remember back in the day when the guy went up and touched him a little bit, these are the things you have to go through especially if you want to go back-to-back. Just because you’re Jayson Tatum, they’re supposed to let you through? No.”
O’Neal’s comments serve as a reminder of the playoff intensity and physicality expected at this stage. While the former Celtics center dismissed the incident as part of playoff basketball, attention now turns to Tatum’s health.
With the Celtics aiming to become the first team since the Warriors to repeat as champions, Tatum’s availability could prove critical to their title hopes. The 26-year-old forward has been the centerpiece of the Celtics’ success, averaging 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists this season.
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