Aside from a new on-court celebration, there are few visible signs of the right wrist injury that Jayson Tatum sustained in Game 1 of the Celtics’ playoff series, reports Baxter Holmes of ESPN.
Tatum’s latest move, which he’s been flashing after clutch baskets, involves raising both arms and clasping his injured right wrist with his left hand – a gesture that he credits to rookie teammate Baylor Scheierman.
The celebration was seen often during the two games in Orlando, where Tatum erupted for 36 and 37 points, respectively, leading the Celtics to two crucial wins and giving them a 3-1 advantage in the series as they return to Boston.
Speaking about the injury, Tatum acknowledged its seriousness but emphasized the sacrifices players make at this time of year.
“I know what I’m dealing with,” Tatum said regarding his wrist.
“My team knows how serious it is, but it’s that time of year. We’re all sacrificing our bodies and going through things. It’s the playoffs.”
Holmes points out that Tatum has been a steady offensive force for the Celtics, even against a tenacious Magic defense that has worked to limit Boston’s three-point shooting.
On Sunday, the Celtics were held to just 31 three-point attempts – well below their season average of 48.4 attempts per game.
Despite the tighter perimeter coverage, Tatum shined in crunch time, scoring nine points in the final minutes to help Boston break a 91-91 tie and secure a hard-fought win.
Teammate Kristaps Porzingis praised Tatum’s growth and clutch performances, saying, “I thought in my head, like, ‘This guy is special.’
“He just has, I think also, from when I got here to now, he’s developed more of a killer instinct, and he’s been getting us big buckets in this series and last year’s playoffs. Thanks to him, we were right there, and today again he was phenomenal.”
Celtics Notes: Tatum, Porzingis, Horford, Sale https://t.co/TQ0nUBWMH2 pic.twitter.com/0TPYp15wBP
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 28, 2025
