Celtics Notes: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Jordan Walsh

“I didn’t even know if I was going to play this year,” Tatum said. “So to be able to be out there and play in the playoffs … I couldn’t be more grateful.”

That part is real. So is the frustration.

Tatum admitted he’s not all the way back yet. Not 100 percent. But the impact has still been there. Boston went 13-3 with him in the lineup and dominated the minutes he played, even with restrictions.

He averaged 21.8 points, 10 rebounds and 5.3 assists. And as the games went on, he looked more like himself.

“I’m excited,” he said. “My perspective has changed. There was a lot of uncertainty. The playoffs wasn’t a sure thing. Now that I get that opportunity, I couldn’t be more happy.”

Core Rolling

Tatum and Jaylen Brown are now in Year 9 together, a point highlighted by Gary Washburn of The Boston Globe.

That’s rare territory. And it’s worked. They’ve climbed into the franchise’s all-time scoring lists, won a title in 2024, and kept Boston in the mix just about every year.

“I think it’s been a historic run,” Brown said. “We’ve been right there for a long time.”

Matchup to Watch

Keep an eye on Jordan Walsh.

Per Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe, he’s eager for another shot at Tyrese Maxey after holding him to 1-of-9 shooting in a November meeting.

The plan? Don’t let Maxey get comfortable.

“Make him go to his second option, his third option,” Walsh said.