Jayson Tatum scored 21 points in his fifth game back from a torn Achilles, helping the Boston Celtics rally past the Phoenix Suns 120-112 at TD Garden on Monday night. Jaylen Brown led Boston with 41 points, including 18 in the fourth quarter, while Derrick White added 21 and Payton Pritchard contributed 19.
Tatum described the feeling of playing in a close game at home after missing 62 contests. “It felt good just being out there in a close game at home… being a part of winning plays on both ends,” he said. He credited the team’s defensive communication for sealing the win, noting, “Guys just made timely plays, timely rebounds… JB got a lot of free throws and was attacking the basket, putting pressure on the officials. That helped us out a lot.”
On fitting back into the Celtics’ dynamic, Tatum reflected on his long-standing partnership with Brown. “We’ve done a really good job of that over the last nine years… we’ve just found a way to really complement each other on both ends of the floor and win a bunch of basketball games and playoff series,” he said. He emphasized trust and understanding, adding, “The element of trust that we have in one another… we know the other person is going to do whatever it takes to try to win this game.”
Tatum addressed the Suns’ mid-fourth-quarter run and how Boston responded. “You got to give them credit. They’re a really good team… they’re going to make some runs. It’s about how you answer,” he said. On defending Devin Booker, who scored 40, Tatum explained, “Just give him different looks… try to make it tough on him, switch up coverages… limit him to one shot and rebound the ball.”
Discussing his physical readiness, Tatum acknowledged the balance between recovery and competitiveness. “You always want more… being grateful that I’m at this point and capable of playing 30-32 minutes and contributing… but as a competitor, you want to be better,” he said.
Tatum also recalled Brown’s decisive steal late in the game. “It felt like old times,” he said. “I filled the middle of the lane and converted the play… being able to step in and finish it with him was great.”
Reflecting on the emotional aspect of returning, Tatum admitted lingering excitement. “I’m not used to it… still a little anxious this morning… excited to get to play basketball today… it’s like I get to go do what I love to do,” he said.
Boston improved to 45-23, maintaining second place in the Eastern Conference. The Celtics host the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday, while the Suns travel to Minnesota on Tuesday.
