Celtics' Jaylen Brown Backs Jayson Tatum Ahead of MSG Return

Tatum set to play at Madison Square Garden for first time since Achilles injury

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:09am

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in shades of green, blue, and orange, representing the dynamic action and intensity of a basketball game between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks.A fragmented, geometric depiction of the high-stakes Celtics-Knicks matchup, reflecting the mental and physical challenges the players face on the court.Boston Today

Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown has reassured teammate Jayson Tatum that the team has his back ahead of their upcoming game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Tatum suffered a devastating Achilles injury during the playoffs last season in the same arena, and Brown acknowledged the potential mental hurdle Tatum may face in returning to the scene of the injury.

Why it matters

The Celtics-Knicks matchup carries significant playoff implications, with the Celtics looking to clinch the two-seed in the East. But Tatum's return to MSG also has personal significance, as the arena is where his long injury rehab journey began. Brown's public show of support for his co-star underscores the team's unity as they look to make a deep playoff run.

The details

Tatum has been rounding back into form, scoring 20+ points in six straight games, including an efficient 23-point performance in a recent win over the Hornets. However, Brown acknowledged the potential mental hurdle Tatum may face in returning to the scene of his devastating Achilles injury. Brown reassured Tatum that his teammates 'got his back' and will be there to support him as he takes the court at MSG.

  • Tatum suffered the Achilles injury in Game 4 of the Celtics' second-round playoff series against the Knicks last season.
  • The Celtics and Knicks are set to face off on Thursday, April 10, 2026.

The players

Jaylen Brown

A star forward for the Boston Celtics who has emerged as the team's top option this season with Jayson Tatum working his way back from injury.

Jayson Tatum

The Celtics' superstar forward who suffered a ruptured Achilles injury during last year's playoffs at Madison Square Garden. He is now working his way back to full strength.

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What they’re saying

“'JT's in a good spot. He's playing good basketball. Rebounding the ball. Handling those physical drives. More explosive than those first couple games. I think he's trending in the right direction. Mentally, it possibly could be something, but that's what your teammates are there for. We got his back. We go out there, do what we got to do.'”

— Jaylen Brown, Celtics Forward

What’s next

The Celtics and Knicks will face off on Thursday, April 10, 2026 at Madison Square Garden. The outcome of the game will determine whether the Celtics clinch the two-seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

The takeaway

Jaylen Brown's public show of support for Jayson Tatum ahead of the Celtics' return to Madison Square Garden underscores the team's unity and commitment to having each other's backs, even as Tatum works to overcome the mental hurdle of playing in the arena where his devastating injury occurred. The Celtics' ability to rally around their co-star will be crucial as they look to secure a favorable playoff position and make a deep postseason run.