Celtics
“Just a few benefits to being 27. You recover a little bit faster. … I’ll be alright.”
Jayson Tatum likely won’t take to the court Wednesday when the Boston Celtics take on the Phoenix Suns at PHX Arena.
But despite the image of Tatum crumpling to the floor in pain Monday night in Sacramento, the team offered a promising outlook on his long-term recovery timeline.
The Celtics officially listed Tatum as “doubtful” for Wednesday’s road matchup, just a few days after he suffered a left ankle sprain against the Kings. While his availability for Wednesday seems unlikely, that he was not outright ruled out stands as an encouraging sign for Tatum’s road back to the hardwood.
Tatum suffered his injury midway through the third quarter of Boston’s eventual 113-95 win over the Kings.
While attempting a 3-point shot, Tatum landed on Kings big man Domantas Sabonis’ foot, turning his left ankle in the process. Tatum was in clear pain after dropping to the floor, needing help getting back to Boston’s bench.
He eventually attempted his two free throws before gingerly making his way off the court. He did not return for the remainder of the game.
Despite the sight of Tatum writhing in pain, The Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach noted on X postgame Monday night that Tatum “left the arena tonight with no crutches or boot, and just a very slight limp.”
Tatum told ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne that his injured ankle was “just sore.” The Celtics star adding on a promo for the “New Heights” podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce that he is on the mend.
“I’m feeling good, man,” Tatum said. “Just a few benefits to being 27. You recover a little bit faster. … I’ll be alright.”
Tatum’s health stands as the top storyline for the Celtics over their final 10 games of the regular season, given that Boston is likely locked into the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference behind Cleveland.
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