Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Reacts to Season-Ending News

David Butler II-Imagn Images

Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Reacts to Season-Ending News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Apr 27, 2026 7:51 AM ET

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum knows the pain and anguish of a devastating season-ending surgery better than most.

The NBA champion missed 52 games during the 2025-26 season after suffering a torn right Achilles tendon in the playoffs.

He watched helplessly from the sidelines as his teammates pushed through without him, doing whatever he could to contribute from the bench.

Tatum has spoken openly about the grueling physical rehabilitation process. But the six-time All-Star knows all too well that the tougher road is the mental side of the recovery.

That said, Tatum feels devastated for Donte DiVincenzo. The Minnesota Timberwolves guard suffered the same fate Saturday night in Game 4 against the Denver Nuggets.

Minnesota Timberwolves guard Donte DiVincenzo (0) looks on during the first half against the New York Knicks.© Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

DiVincenzo went down with a torn right Achilles tendon Saturday, leaving the arena in a wheelchair.

The sharpshooter was one of just four players in the entire NBA to start all 82 regular-season games this year. He averaged 12.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.8 assists as a key cog in Minnesota's starting unit.

DiVincenzo faces a lengthy road to recovery and could miss the entire 2026-27 season. The Timberwolves announced he will undergo surgery performed by Dr. Martin O'Malley at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, the same surgeon who repaired Tatum's Achilles.

Tatum, who has had playoff battles against DiVincenzo in the past, expressed devastation over the season-ending news.

"I was watching the game yesterday, and it was tough seeing that," Tatum said of DiVincenzo's injury. "I never want anyone to go through that injury and what's to come in the rehab process.

"I know for a fact I'm gonna reach out to him at some point. ... I'm glad he got his surgery today."

Tatum is the perfect example of rising through adversity in these situations. He returned from his own torn Achilles in March, averaging 21.8 points and a career-high 10.0 rebounds across 16 regular-season games.

He has been a key contributor to Boston's 3-1 series lead against the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round.

DiVincenzo's Timberwolves also hold a 3-1 lead over the Nuggets in the Western Conference first round.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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