Celtics’ Jayson Tatum scores 20 vs. Cavaliers, ‘back in the flow’
CLEVELAND — Celtics energy ahead Jayson Tatum was grateful he made his comeback from a ruptured proper Achilles tendon at residence in Boston.
The six-time All-Star was virtually as happy that his second recreation was on the street Sunday afternoon. Tatum scored six of his 20 factors in the fourth quarter, delivering the dagger on a 3-pointer with 1:59 remaining as the Celtics beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-98 in a battle of Eastern Conference contenders.
“Today felt a lot more normal, just from a preparation standpoint in this league,” Tatum stated. “It felt like being back in the flow again.
“It’s simply superb how joyful I’m to be again and eager to be on the market extra.”
Two nights earlier, Tatum collected 15 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists in his emotional return at TD Garden in a win over the Dallas Mavericks. He received multiple standing ovations in his first action since rupturing the tendon during the 2025 playoffs on May 12.
The fans at Rocket Arena weren’t nearly as kind to him, but those wearing Celtics gear applauded him every time he touched the ball. They included his mother, Brandy Cole-Barnes, who surprised him by making the trip.
Tatum and his mom were inseparable during his 298-day rehabilitation period, which began following reconstructive surgery on May 13.
“She texted me this morning to say, ‘Hey, I’m coming to Cleveland,'” Tatum said, smiling. “I appeared up in the crowd and he or she was simply crying. Seeing me on the court docket clearly brings her loads of pleasure.”
The 6-foot-8 Tatum has started both games in his return, logging 27 minutes and making 6-of-16 field goals in each one.
His playing time is being restricted for precautionary reasons, but Boston coach Joe Mazzulla made sure Tatum was on the floor at crunch time Sunday.
Tatum missed all six of his photographs over the second and third quarters earlier than coming by in his remaining seven-minute stretch. I’ve shared the court docket with longtime Celtics teammates — and fellow 2024 NBA champions — Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard.
It was the 11th straight time that Tatum has scored 20 points or more against the Cavaliers, second only to Larry Bird, who did it 13 times in a row vs. Cleveland.
“We’re glad to have a first-team All-NBA participant again who can do all of it,” Pritchard said. “It makes us a very good staff, and he seems unbelievable. He’s doing issues that not many gamers have executed. It’s a simple transition for all of us.”
The Celtics allowed fewer than 100 pts in a recreation for the sixteenth time this season, tied with the (*20*) for should such video games in the NBA this season.
ESPN Research and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
