Jayson Tatum’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time.
And unfortunately, it’s the second time he has said such a thing in a year.
Tatum ruptured his right Achilles tendon in early May during the second round of the 2025 playoffs amid a furious rally to try to tie up the Celtics-Knicks series at 2-2.
And in Boston’s Game 6 loss against the 76ers, Tatum injured his left calf, which sidelined him in their 109-100 season-ending defeat, ending the Celtics’ 56-win season.
“My recovery and comeback (from the Achilles injury) were going so well that how it ended, I didn’t think it was going to end that way. It was just unfortunate,” Tatum said Sunday after the game.
“I worked really, really, really, really hard to come back in the fashion that I did and play at the level I was playing at. So for it to end the way it did was a tough pill to swallow.”
Jayson Tatum sat out Game 7 with a leg injury. Getty Images Tatum had been downgraded to questionable before the game and ultimately ruled out right before tip-off on Sunday.
Tatum discussed the process that led to him being deemed unable to compete due to injury, despite the significant stakes of the contest.
“It was just with the staff and medical team and [trainer] Nick [Sang], they just kind of assessed everything that was going on,” Tatum said. “And I’m still in the window of the return to play protocol, and there were just certain rules and a plan that ultimately that we had to stick by.”
He added, “And it was tough, obviously, working as hard as I did to come back and to be available and for it to come to a Game 7, not be able to be out there. I just keep saying this was unfortunate and it’s tough to deal with, but it’s a plan that we have to stick to.”
Jayson Tatum dribbles the ball during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers during Game 6. NBAE via Getty Images Tatum, who returned from his Achilles injury in March of this season, had returned close to All-Star form in short order.
Tatum appeared in 16 games during the regular season, averaging 21.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per contest.
He also spoke about his enjoyment in watching the team excel as he sat on the sidelines.
“Yeah, the team was super, super exciting and fun to watch this season,” he acknowledged. “You know there’s only one team that can win the championship, and it’s always tough to lose whenever it does happen, beginning of May or end of June, it’s always a tough pill to swallow.”
Tatum added, “I don’t think how it ended should take away from the growth of each guy in that locker room and the steps that they all made this season, and from what the expectations were of this team to being a 2-seed and everybody having an important role and showing their value, and just doing it together. This team was a joy to watch, and it was a joy to be a part of when I was able to join them.”
