Jayson Tatum is not on the Celtics’ initial injury report for tomorrow’s game against the Cavaliers.
Their only player out is Vucevic. That means Jordan Walsh is back too.
Nikola Vucevic - Right Ring Finger Fracture - OUT
Throughout his journey, Tatum remained a part of the group. They helped him fight through a battle that he has emerged stronger from on the other side.
hardwoodhoudini.com/jayson-tatum...
“He came out the other side of this a better person, and I know [he] became a better player.”
At a team meeting on Thursday, a vulnerable Jayson Tatum expressed his gratitude to the Celtics.
There were moments of isolation and nights spent crying, but throughout his journey…1/2
When Tatum tore his Achilles, he felt like basketball betrayed him. He never cheated the process. He was an iron man who fans could count on being in uniform when they bought a ticket.
But when you love something, you don't walk away from it; you fight for it. Tatum is stronger for having done so.
For Joe Mazzulla, it captured the maturation he has seen from Tatum as he fought through a nearly 10-month journey to get back to doing what he loves tonight. hardwoodhoudini.com/jayson-tatum...
"I wanted to be a part of that."
A moment that struck me during Jayson Tatum's post-game press conference was when he shared the message he delivered to the Celtics yesterday.
1/2
Nikola Vucevic is expected to undergo surgery and miss approximately one month after fracturing his ring finger tonight, per Shams.
The Celtics are on a 14-4 run. That includes seven points from Jayson Tatum who's yet to miss in the second half. Boston leads Dallas 72-64 with 7:23 remaining in the third quarter.
Jayson Tatum at halftime:
5 points
2/8
1/4 on 3PAs
5 rebounds
5 assists
+5 in 14:07
The last thing left is for him to get his legs under him again. Part of the ramp up process that is continuing.
Put-back slam for Tatum, and the TD Garden faithful go nuts. His first points of the night. He follows it up by burying a corner 3 off the dribble on the Celtics' next possession. This place is bedlam.
The Celtics have now ruled Nikola Vucevic - Right Ring Finger Fracture - out for the rest of tonight's game against the Mavericks.
Loud “Coop” chants as Cooper Flagg takes the floor for his first NBA game at TD Garden.
Massive pop for Jayson Tatum as he steps onto the TD Garden parquet in uniform for the first time this season.
For the Mavericks:
Max Christie
Khris Middleton
P.J. Washington
Cooper Flagg
Dwight Powell
Tonight’s Celtics starting lineup in Jayson Tatum’s season debut:
Derrick White
Jaylen Brown
Sam Hauser
Jayson Tatum
Neemias Queta
More to come from my conversation with Bagley, including what stands out to him about teammate Cooper Flagg.
I spoke with another member of the Duke brotherhood, Marvin Bagley III, about Jayson Tatum’s return tonight.
“It’s always love, man. To see him out there doing his thing, coming back from his injury, and just seeing the work that he's put in. So I'm excited to see him tonight be back out there.”
Here’s a look into Cooper Flagg’s pregame routine as he gets ready for his first NBA game at TD Garden. Anticipating A LOT of people from Maine being in attendance tonight.
Here’s a look at the Jayson Tatum shirts awaiting fans at TD Garden for his return tonight.
This is a one-time, extremely limited collection. They’re available now at neweracap dot com, the Celtics Pro Shop, and Concepts Boston.
New Era is celebrating the return of Jayson Tatum, one of its brand ambassadors, with a “Welcome Back” Collection.
These were specially designed by Tatum. They’re available in New Era’s 9TWENTY® and 9FIFTY® silhouettes.
The Celtics have made the change. Jayson Tatum is now officially AVAILABLE for tonight's game against the Mavericks.
"As much as you want a grace period for that, we don't really have that luxury."
Tonight figures to be an unforgettable evening at TD Garden. As Jayson Tatum readies to make his return, the Celtics shared their view on finding a balance that's crucial to their title hopes.
Story ⬇️
The Celtics have yet to change Jayson Tatum's status since listing him as questionable yesterday. However, they've added Jordan Walsh to their injury report for tonight's game against the Mavericks.
Jordan Walsh - Illness (Non-Covid) - QUESTIONABLE
Tatum - Right Achilles Repair - QUESTIONABLE
Hauser continued: “So, we're all just gonna have to figure it out on the fly, and that's a good thing for us to problem solve whenever that comes up, and figure things out on their own. But I think, overall, it's positive.” 2/2
Hauser: “We only have 19 games left, so it's gonna have to be a quick process whenever that happens. And as much as you want a grace period for that, we don't really have that luxury.” 1/2
I asked Sam Hauser about finding a balance between re-acclimating to Jayson Tatum and him adapting to how the Celtics have changed this season.
His answer ⬇️
We have movement! Jayson Tatum is QUESTIONABLE for tomorrow’s game against the Mavericks.
Xavier Tillman Sr. owed God Shammgod Jr. some pushups when the Celtics traded him to the Hornets. He owed 37 and just cranked out 10 when he saw Sham.
“A man who pays his taxes.”
