Joe Mazzulla Impressed by Jayson Tatum’s Ability to Read Defenses in Boston’s Playoff-Clinching Win

Tatum’s performance was especially encouraging considering he recently returned from a lengthy rehab following a season-ending playoff injury last year. It hasn’t even been 11 months since the setback, yet he’s already playing at a high level as if the injury never happened.

Tatum finished with a season-best 32 points against the Hornets, along with five rebounds and eight assists while shooting 12-for-23 from the field and 5-for-10 from three. Boston is now 9–2 in games he has played since returning. 

The 28-year-old Tatum also surpassed 14,000 career points in the win. He became just the ninth player in franchise history to reach the 14,000-point mark and the youngest Celtic ever to achieve the milestone, overtaking Paul Pierce.

Jayson Tatum Gives Honest Assessment of His Comeback after Big Night

Recently, Tatum admitted he still feels he hasn’t fully returned to his dominant pre-injury form, but Sunday’s performance may have boosted his confidence. After the game, he reflected on whether this was the best he has felt since coming back.

“Yeah. Obviously, I’m still working through it, but I say all the time, I just want to feel better than I did last game,” Tatum said. “Feel stronger, feel more confident, get my conditioning up. So, that’s what I’m trying to (do).”

Playing in Charlotte also gave him extra motivation, something he openly admitted.

“I only get to go to Charlotte 2 times a year. Somebody paid their money to come watch me play,” he said. “Big game, not [a] big game. Compete. Play basketball. Don’t take this sh*t for granted.”

With Tatum back in rhythm, Boston’s playoff outlook suddenly looks far more dangerous. Since returning from his torn Achilles, the six-time All-Star has averaged 20.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.1 steals in 31 minutes per game.