Celtics Teammates Quickly Rush to Check on Jayson Tatum Following His Scary Fall

The scene was especially tense given Tatum’s recent return from a major injury. The All-NBA forward missed nearly a year after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon last season and had only recently rejoined Boston’s lineup. 

Monday’s matchup marked just his third game back on the court. For a few seconds, the arena grew quiet as players gathered around him, but Tatum quickly reassured everyone by getting back to his feet and continuing to play.

In fact, the scare didn’t slow him down, as he logged 27 minutes and finished with 24 points, five rebounds, and four three-pointers, despite the Celtics ultimately falling to the Spurs. 

The performance continued what has been an encouraging early stretch since his return, even as he works to regain rhythm after such a long layoff.

Did the Celtics Delay Jayson Tatum’s Injury Return?

Jayson Tatum’s return to the Boston lineup last week was always in the air, and it already felt remarkable. The six-time All-Star tore his Achilles on May 12 last year, an injury that usually requires 12 to 18 months of recovery. Instead, Tatum made his comeback in under a year.

Now, an old January video has sparked new questions about whether he could have returned even earlier.

The clip surfaced from the Celtics’ game against the Heat in Miami on January 15. During a brief moment captured on camera, someone asked him how he was feeling during his rehab.

“Like I’m coming back,” Tatum replied confidently.

His tone suggested he already believed his recovery was ahead of schedule. Rumors circulated throughout the season that a surprise return might be possible, though many assumed Boston would remain cautious given the seriousness of an Achilles injury. 

Ultimately, the Celtics waited before activating their franchise star.