The Boston Celtics won the 2024 NBA Finals. Their dynamic duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown supported by a solid roster of talent carried over as they aimed toward a consecutive run in 2025. Unfortunately, in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals, Tatum suffered a non-contact Achilles tendon rupture. The Celtics’ goal of a repeat was squashed as they lost the series to the Knicks.
This season, the Celtics have maintained a solid record in Tatum’s absence. With their All-Star Jaylen Brown
as their anchor and six other teammates scoring in double-figures, the Celtics have preserved the second seed in the Eastern Conference for a majority of the season.
By comparison, the Indiana Pacers, who lost Tyrese Haliburton in the Finals, have the worst record in the Eastern Conference.
Of the four teams with the best records this season, three hit the “40 wins before 20 losses” mark. The Oklahoma City Thunder, Detroit Pistons, and San Antonio Spurs shined on the litmus test. Boston missed it by two games, suffering their 20th loss after only 38 wins. But coming up short in that regard is not the biggest factor in their success going forward.
The Celtics have stayed poised and maintained their aim without Tatum, vastly considered to be one of the league’s best talents.
And now Jayson Tatum is back.
Two weeks ago, Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla was not admitting that Tatum was practicing.
And, of course, he was practicing with the team.
Last Friday, Jayson Tatum returned to action.
Tatum started off shooting 0-6, but continued to shake off the rust, eventually hitting the next five shots. He ended the evening with a double-double after 298 days off the court.
On Sunday, Yayum scored 20 points as they took control over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Going forward, Tatum and the Celtics will utilize the final games to reconnect and prepare for a deep playoff run.
The question is — how will Tatum’s return affect the NBA playoff picture? Specifically, how will Tatum’s return affect the San Antonio Spurs’ Race for Seis?
The Spurs stole one from under the Celtics in Boston on January 10th.
Since February 1st, they are the top two teams.
As the Celtics go into their third game with Tatum, they face a Spurs team that has an outstanding record against many of the strongest teams in the league.
The Pistons and Thunder are two great examples, but the Spurs record against teams over .600 has been consistently impressive.
Will the Spurs be able to handle a refreshed Tatum with something to prove? Or are the Celtics just another obstacle in their greater goal?
Spurs host Celtics tonight at 7:00 PM.
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