Despite being listed as questionable for both games in Boston’s recent back-to-back due to lingering knee issues, Jayson Tatum took the court on Friday and again tonight, demonstrating his commitment to playing whenever possible.
As reported by Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe, the Celtics have been strategically resting key players ahead of the playoffs, but Tatum admitted that he isn’t one to easily accept sitting out.
“A lot of head-butting for sure,” he acknowledged, referring to discussions with the team about managing his workload.
While he understands the importance of staying fresh for what he hopes will be a deep playoff run, the 27-year-old remains determined to be on the floor.
“I’ve always said that I’m still young, but I just turned 27, I understand the balance of being fresh and stuff, ready for hopefully a long playoff run,” Tatum explained. “I’ve talked about the value that I’ve put into playing in road games.”
Beyond just his competitive drive, Tatum takes into account the fans – especially young ones – who come to see him play, often sporting his jersey or signature sneakers.
He recognizes that for many, attending a game might be a special occasion, and he doesn’t take that for granted.
“I’ve been very blessed and fortunate, too. When I come in arenas, I see a lot of Tatum ‘0’ jerseys and kids with my shoes on. I understand they might be for their birthday or Christmas gift or whatever, and I try to stay ready and play as much and often as I can, and especially games on the road,” he said.
Even as Boston prioritizes health and rest ahead of the postseason, Tatum’s dedication to playing – particularly for the fans who support him – continues to be a driving force in his approach.
Celtics Notes: Porzingis, Pritchard, Tatum, Brown https://t.co/iNMMcRceBU pic.twitter.com/wkvaYYeUck
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) March 16, 2025
