Tatum's Triumphant Return: Celtics Crush Sixers

0:00On April 20th, Jason Tatum made his long-awaited return from a torn right Achilles tendon in the Celtics' first playoff game against the Sixers, and he looked like the superstar we all remember. Boston crushed Philly 123-91 with Tatum dropping 25 points, grabbing 11 rebounds, and dishing seven assists in, just over 32 minutes. He started hot, scoring 10 points in the first quarter alone, including fadeaways and a nasty dunk. That performance came after months of doubt, where Tatum wasn't even sure he played this season, let alone in the playoffs. Things shifted for him back on February 10th, when a G-League scrimmage gave him real confidence, hitting rehab goals ahead of schedule, and getting. Props from teammates. Fans showed love with the standing ovation when he checked out late in the game, up big at 108-78. Coach Joe Missoula praised his defense, rebounding, and smart playmaking, saying he adapted to matchups perfectly, and gave the team exactly what it needed.

1:02Tatum attack mismatches all night, especially with Joe in beat sideline. Setting up teammates like Sam Hauser for threes, and Nehemiah's Cata for A, huge dunk. He moved closer to Larry Bird's Celtics record for 25.10 rebound, five assists playoff games, notching his 23rd. Even now, with 122 playoff games under his belt, Tatum still grinding rehab every off day, grateful for the journey from surgery to this moment. It's a reminder that a lot had to align for him to be dominating like this again. Boston Celtics news today, powered by AI bringing you what matters on and off the field. I'm Corey with the story.