Jayson Tatum (left) reacts after sustaining an injury while fighting for the ball against Brooklyn Nets power forward Kevin Durant (not pictured) during the third quarter of Game 2 of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Marcus Smart gives update on Jayson Tatum after eye poke

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 5/25/21

Marcus Smart provided an update on the status of Jayson Tatum following Game 2 of the Celtics-Nets playoff series on Tuesday.

Tatum left Game 2 after being poked in the eye about four minutes into the third quarter and did not return.

#NEBHInjuryReport Jayson Tatum was poked in the right eye. He will be out for the remainder of the game.

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) May 26, 2021

Celtics coach Brad Stevens shared after his team’s 130-108 loss to Brooklyn that Tatum got his eyes scratched and wasn’t able to see well.

Brad Stevens says Jayson Tatum tried to readjust to the lights after getting his eyes scratched and he struggled and couldn’t return. His eye is red and swollen.

“Obviously, he is uncomfortable right now.”

— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) May 26, 2021

Despite Tatum's discomfort, Smart says his teammate was in good spirits after the game and should play in Game 3.

Marcus Smart on Jayson Tatum's eye injury: "It was serious, but I don't think it's as serious as people thought. He was in good spirits after the game and should play in Game 3."

— Jared Weiss (@JaredWeissNBA) May 26, 2021

Tatum had nine points in 21 minutes before leaving the game. He will have plenty of time to heal before Game 3 on Friday in Boston. Game 4 of the series will be on Sunday.

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

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