Celtics Star Jaylen Brown Humbly Backtracks Best 2-Way Player Claim, Hands It to Young Superstar 1 Mar 6, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) smiles at Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) while being congratulated by guard Payton Pritchard (11) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Jayson Tatum’s Explosive Return Ignites Celtics’ Title Hopes as 1x champion Declares Them 'Finals-Ready'

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Mar 18, 2026 9:43 PM ET

Jayson Tatum just elevated the Boston Celtics‘ title hopes after he returned from his torn Achilles injury. Although he has only played five games, Tatum has fit seamlessly with the team. During that stretch, the six-time All-Star has averaged 20.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists. He has not shown signs of slowing down.

The return of Tatum has given the Celtics another good reason why they are a threat to win the championship. Even without him, Boston did well against its competition and has risen to the No. 2 spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Now that the team has one of its best players, they could be a problem against other title-aspiring groups.

Former champion Kendrick Perkins thinks the Celtics are prepared for the NBA Finals following Jayson Tatum’s triumphant comeback.

“They’re ready to go to the NBA Finals,” Perkins said. “That they’re the best still duo in the Eastern Conference. That they have the most championship experience, and they can fit and are willing to make it work. Jayson Tatum returned, and he fit right on in.”

"The man just had a 41 piece, all flats."

Kendrick Perkins shares his thoughts on Jayson Tatum's impact after returning to the Celtics.

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Perkins knows that Tatum is still finding his rhythm when shooting the ball. However, he acknowledged how the NBA star has done other things to contribute to the Celtics’ success. The former player also recognized how Jaylen Brown has not struggled after his co-star’s much-awaited return.

Jayson Tatum Credited His Family’s Help During His Injury Rehab

Jayson Tatum did the work needed for him to return to form. His rehab process was well-documented, and fans saw the time and effort he dedicated. In an interview with USA Today, Tatum spoke highly of having his family there for him in his recovery. The Celtics star specifically mentioned his mother, Brandy Cole, for the foundation that she established with the NBA star.

“She’s set a good foundation for my life and helped me become the basketball player that I am,” Tatum told USA TODAY. “To have her be a part of the off-the-court things that I’m doing is important.”

Tatum was away from basketball for a while, but his recovery helped him with a successful return to action.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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