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Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics may have left a clue about his return date.
The Boston Celtics entered Friday night without their leading scorer. Jaylen Brown missed his first game since Jayson Tatum‘s return, leaving Boston shorthanded against an Atlanta Hawks squad in strong form. Baylor Scheierman stepped into the starting five in Brown’s place.
The Hawks made Boston pay early. Atlanta jumped out to a 25-9 advantage in the opening quarter, looking sharp and energized. Payton Pritchard kept the Celtics afloat, pouring in 19 first-half points to keep the deficit at 60-55 heading into the break.
Boston flipped the game in the second half. And Jayson Tatum was one of the main reasons why.
Tatum’s Honest Words After the Win
Tatum was a different player after halftime. He logged 37 minutes, his heaviest workload since returning from a torn Achilles tendon, finishing with a season-high 26 points and 10 rebounds. 21 of those points came after the break.
After the 109-102 Celtics win, he spoke plainly about where his game stands right now.
“I know I look rusty, I know I’ve made some mistakes,” Tatum said. “But one thing I do know is I’m trying my a** off. I’m a little winded but 10 and a half months after tearing my Achilles I’m giving it all I got. And I know each game I’m going to get a little better.”
That kind of honesty means something. He acknowledged he is not quite where he wants to be yet, but he knows it’s coming. And there is one thing that never wavers. His effort.
What Tatum Showed Against Atlanta
Tatum was inefficient from the field, but he still took over for the Celtics when it mattered most. He scored a season-high 26 points and 10 rebounds across 37 minutes.
Through 10 games back he is averaging 19.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. The shooting is still climbing at 38.3% from the field and 30.3% from three. It will get there.
What stands out right now is the effort. The rebounding, the physicality, and the willingness to take over when the game demands it.
GettyJayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
A Team Effort From the Celtics
Atlanta did not make it easy for the Celtics. The Hawks jumped out to a 25-9 lead in the opening quarter, and Boston spent most of the first half chasing.
Payton Pritchard had a standout performance, pouring in 19 points before halftime and finishing with 36 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.
Derrick White, Sam Hauser, and Luka Garza all finished in double figures.
Boston outscored Atlanta in the third quarter, took control, and never looked back. The Celtics shot 47% from the field and 40% from three. The Hawks had no answer down the stretch. Final score, 109-102.
Boston improved to 49-24.
GettyPayton Pritchard of the Boston Celtics
Final Word for the Celtics
Friday night was another step for Tatum. A season-high in points, minutes, and a second half that showed what he can do when he settles in. The rust might still be there. But so is the humble star that Celtics fans love to root for.
Tatum is out there giving everything he has, 10 and a half months after tearing his Achilles.
The rest will take care of itself.
Keith Watkins Keith Watkins is a sports journalist covering the NBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Los Angeles Lakers. He previously wrote for FanSided, NBA Analysis Network, and Last Word On Sports. Keith is based in Bangkok, Thailand. More about Keith Watkins
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