Celtics Make Jayson Tatum Decision Amid Concerning Injury

 

Throughout the season, the Boston Celtics have been seen as strong contenders for back-to-back NBA championships. After a challenging stretch in January, they regained momentum and entered Monday’s matchup against the Sacramento Kings with 10 wins in their last 11 games. While they welcomed Jaylen Brown back from a bone bruise, they suffered a setback when Jayson Tatum, their top player, went down with an ankle injury. The incident occurred after Tatum drained a three-pointer and landed on Kings center Domantas Sabonis’ foot. Sabonis was assessed a flagrant 1 foul for encroaching on Tatum’s landing space, and the Celtics star needed assistance heading to the locker room.

Tatum did not speak to the media postgame, but Boston Globe reporter Adam Himmelsbach shared on X that he appeared to be in good spirits, even wearing sneakers on both feet. “Jayson Tatum isn’t being made available for interviews,” Himmelsbach noted. “He’s at his locker eating, joking with teammates, and wearing sneakers on both feet though.”

If Tatum is forced to miss significant time, it could put a dent in the Celtics’ championship aspirations. The star forward entered Monday averaging 27.2 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. He had recently posted two 40-plus-point performances, including a 46-point effort in a tough 123-116 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Feb. 28. Before exiting against Sacramento, Tatum had 25 points, but Boston still cruised to a 113-95 victory, improving to 53-19 on the season.