Jayson Tatum Returns to MSG, Ready for Another Ring

0:00It's April 9th. This is Boston Celtics News Today, powered by AI Everything Happening With Your Team. I'm Corey, with the story. Jason Tatum stepped back into Madison Square Garden for the first time since tearing his right Achilles tendon there, 11 months ago, during the playoffs. The Boston Celtics star fell nervous and anxious, heading into Thursday night's matchup against the New York Knicks, but he chose to face it head on, instead of sitting out. He beat the odds by returning to games on March 6th, just under 10 months after surgery. Tatum skipped back-to-back games all season to protect his recovery, making this his big moment at the scene of the injury from last May. The Celtics retooled after winning the NBA Finals last year, trading away Jew Ruholy Day, Chris Staps Porzingus, and Al Horford. Still, they went 41 and 21 before his return, thanks to strong play from Jalen Brown, Peyton Pritchard, and Derek White. Tatum thanked the squad in a team meeting for keeping them competitive.

1:01Since coming back, the 28-year-old has started all 15 games, putting up 21.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. He's shooting 41.9% from the field, and feeling healthier than expected, stacking good days and recovery. Both teams sit high in the east, with Boston at number 2, and the Knicks at number 3, setting up a possible second-round rematch. Peyton's ready to climb back to his peak, and chase another ring with this squad.