Jayson Tatum returned to the playoff stage with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists as the Boston Celtics defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 123-91 in Game 1 on Sunday.
The forward emphasized that his preparation remains different compared to previous postseasons. “Yeah, I mean, yeah. Just from the standpoint of like obviously, you know, I’m still rehabbing, right?” Tatum said. “I still attack rehab every single day except for when we have off days. So obviously that’s the main difference.”
He added, “For me it’s just all about conditioning and obviously it’s still attacking rehab every single day to feel better and feel stronger and more confident.”
The Celtics star, who has appeared in just 17 games this season after Achilles surgery, described the process behind his return. “It’s really been a long journey obviously,” he said. “A lot of things had to go right to even have the opportunity to come back and play.”
Tatum continued, “From surgery the next day and with Nick and everything in between these last 48 weeks, it’s just kind of been a buildup to today.”
Boston established control early and never trailed, building a lead that reached 35 points while shooting 50% from the field and hitting 16 three-pointers.
The forward pointed to defense as a key factor in limiting Philadelphia, which shot 4-of-23 from beyond the arc. “Playoffs is about making things tough,” Tatum said. “You can’t stop everything… but I was proud of the way that we started the game especially on the defensive end and it just kind of continued to carry over.”
He also addressed the emotional significance of playing at TD Garden after missing extended time. “We have a tremendous crowd,” Tatum said. “Obviously missing 60 some odd games… I miss playing in front of our home crowd and just the opportunity again to play here in the playoffs is special.”
The 28-year-old acknowledged that his recovery remains central to his story. “No, it’s part of the process. It will forever be a part of my story,” he said. “I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish and return to play.”
Tatum noted that time away from the court helped his development. “Sitting next to the coaches all those games I was out… I was able to see the game through their lens and pick up on some things,” he said.
He identified a key turning point in his comeback. “Honestly, the day that it changed… is when I got assigned to the G League and played,” Tatum said. “That was really the first time that it was like, ‘oh, I might come back this year.’”
Despite the lopsided Game 1 result, Tatum stressed that the series will demand adjustments. “They’re a really complete team… you have to show them that respect,” he said. “Next game is going to be tougher. They’re going to make adjustments and just preparing for that.”
Boston leads the series 1-0, with Game 2 scheduled for Tuesday night.
