For the first time since Jayson Tatum returned from his Achilles injury, the Boston Celtics are playing in Madison Square Garden. It’s the site where Tatum tore his Achilles tendon in the playoffs a year ago. After suffering the injury in the second round, it was unclear if he would play this year.
Tatum returned in mid-March and has played solidly in his return. In 15 games, Tatum is averaging just over 21 points, five assists, and almost 10 rebounds per game. His shooting is starting to stabilize after a rough start.
Now that he is back in MSG, Tatum is reckoning with all of the feelings that have surfaced by walking back into the building.
Celtics’ Jayson Tatum Reveals Emotions After Returning to MSG
GettyBoston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum looks on during a game against the Thunder. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
After Tatum walked into the building, he was asked how he felt.
“Nervousness, anxiousness, all the things you’d probably expect from the last time I played here. But it’s a game.”
When asked how it felt to be back in MSG, Tatum was not enthused.
“Uh…it was alright.”
Tatum knew that he was going to have to return to the building at some point, and that time is now. Not only did Tatum tear his Achilles, but that’s pretty much when Boston’s title chances caved in. Without Tatum, the Knicks eliminated the Celtics.
Right now, the Celtics sit second in the Eastern Conference standings. New York is third. That means that those two teams would likely have to face each other in the second round in order to make the Eastern Conference Finals. Boston is considered the favorite with Tatum back in the fold.
Boston has won seven of their last eight games heading into this contest. The Knicks have won three straight after losing three straight. Both teams are looking to keep some positive momentum heading into the playoffs, while the Knicks are trying to hold off Cleveland for the third seed.
Jayson Tatum Has Ceded the Top Dog Role on the Celtics
GettyBoston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum dribbles the ball in a game against the Nets. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
Jaylen Brown has been the best player for Boston this season, playing at a first-team All-NBA level. He is averaging almost 29 points per game while also setting career-highs in rebounds and assists. Brown is the best player on the roster.
With Brown leading the team, Boston has the second-best offense in the NBA. Tatum has taken some pressure off of Brown since he has returned, but he is still clearly working his way back. He likely won’t fully have his rhythm back until the playoffs start.
Once Tatum is able to get over this first game at MSG, it should be normal for him moving forward. Every day is a new challenge for him returning from his injury. This is just the latest challenge in what has been a season of them for Jayson Tatum.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Celtics’ Jayson Tatum Details Anxious Feelings Walking Back into MSG appeared first on Heavy Sports.