Celtics star Jayson Tatum reflects on ’emotional’ NBA comeback
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It’s been 10 months since Jayson Tatum last played in an NBA game for the Boston Celtics. That tension ended Friday night, when the star forward made his 2025-26 debut against the Dallas Mavericks.
Before the game, Tatum admitted he was preparing for a flood of emotions as he prepared to return.
“I may be emotional as I step on the field for the first time, but I will be excited,” he said. “I’ll be anxious. And I’ll be proud of myself for getting to that point. There have been some very long days in the last 42 weeks.”
Tatum recorded a double-double faster than expected after suffering an Achilles injury in the playoff game against the New York Knicks. He recorded 15 points and 12 rebounds in 27 minutes as the Celtics defeated the Mavericks 120-100 on Friday night.
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Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum walks off the court after Game 1 of the NBA Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks at TD Garden. (Danielle Parhizkaran/Boston Globe)
After the win, Tatum talked about the obstacles he overcame to get back on the court.
“It was surreal. It was an emotional day. It was a long journey. God is the greatest who got me to this point. I dreamed about it for days and he finally made it happen and I got to share it with my family, my teammates and the stands. It was everything I could have dreamed of,” Tatum said. he said.
Tatum, who learned that he had a medical check-up in February, said that his mental preparation took longer.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) passes Dallas Mavericks forward PJ Washington (25) in the second quarter at TD Garden in Boston on March 6, 2026. (Winslow Townson/Imagn Images)
“You’re physically open, you can do anything,” he said. “But I haven’t competed or played in a game in a long time. That mental block is a real thing.”
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum claps from the bench during the second quarter against the Charlotte Hornets at TD Garden on March 4, 2026. (Danielle Parhizkaran/Boston Globe)
Tatum was visibly emotional in the locker room following his injury on May 12.
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But he worked through long periods of physical therapy, exercises and the ongoing pain of his injury.
“I worked non-stop to get back to myself, to get back to 100%, to go out there and compete.”
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