Jayson Tatum's master plan is working perfectly as Celtics approach playoffs

The Boston Celtics star is steadily regaining his All-NBA form after an Achilles injury.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 7:18pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting Jayson Tatum's basketball movements and plays, with sharp, overlapping planes of vibrant green, blue, and orange colors.Jayson Tatum's steady return to form is a crucial development for the Celtics as they approach the playoffs.Boston Today

Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics' star player, is making steady progress in his return from an Achilles injury. Over the past four weeks, Tatum's stats have steadily improved, culminating in a triple-double performance with 25 points, 18 rebounds, and 11 assists in a win over the Miami Heat. Tatum acknowledges that he is not yet back to his pre-injury level, but is focused on continuing to improve with each game.

Why it matters

Tatum's return to form is crucial for the Celtics as they approach the playoffs. As one of the league's elite players, Tatum's performance will be a key factor in determining the Celtics' postseason success.

The details

In his first 12 games back from the Achilles injury, Tatum's stats have steadily improved. In his first week, he averaged 19.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. In the second week, those numbers rose to 21.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. There was a slight regression in the third week, but then Tatum had a breakout performance in the fourth week, averaging 27.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game on 42.6% shooting from the field and 35.5% from three-point range.

  • Tatum returned to the Celtics 12 games ago.
  • In his first week back, he averaged 19.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.
  • In his second week back, his stats rose to 21.7 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game.
  • In his third week back, his stats dipped slightly to 19.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.
  • In his fourth week back, Tatum had a breakout performance, averaging 27.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game.

The players

Jayson Tatum

The Boston Celtics' star player who is returning from an Achilles injury.

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What they’re saying

“I wish I had a definitive answer. You know, it sounds cliche, I feel a little bit better every game. I don't know how long it's gonna take to be back to who I was or hopefully better, but you know, the goal is just to continue to stack days.”

— Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics Player

What’s next

As Tatum continues to regain his form, the Celtics will look to him to lead the team deep into the playoffs.

The takeaway

Jayson Tatum's steady progress in his return from an Achilles injury is a positive sign for the Boston Celtics as they approach the playoffs. While he acknowledges he is not yet back to his pre-injury level, Tatum's improved stats and performance over the past four weeks suggest he is on the right track to regaining his All-NBA form.