Celtics' Tatum Nervous to Return to MSG After Achilles Tear

Boston star still grappling with traumatic injury a year later as team eyes playoff push

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:06am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting depicting a basketball player in motion, with sharp, overlapping geometric planes in a color palette of deep blues, greens, and reds, conveying the emotional and physical challenges of Tatum's return to the site of his Achilles injury.Tatum's return to the scene of his Achilles injury sparks a cubist deconstruction of the emotional and physical challenges he faces.Boston Today

Just under a year after tearing his right Achilles tendon at Madison Square Garden, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum will make his return there on Thursday when he and the Celtics take on the New York Knicks. Tatum said he's not exactly looking forward to checking this latest box on his recovery, admitting he's 'not like, thrilled' to go back and play there after the 'traumatic experience' of suffering the injury.

Why it matters

Tatum's return to MSG is a significant milestone in his recovery from the devastating Achilles tear, which sidelined him for 60 games this season. The Celtics are currently jockeying for playoff positioning, and Tatum's continued progress is crucial to their chances of making a deep postseason run.

The details

Tatum suffered the Achilles injury during a game against the Knicks at MSG last April. He's been steadily working his way back, but has been on a minutes restriction and has yet to fully regain his rhythm. The Celtics have gone 10-2 with Tatum in the lineup, and he's averaging 21.3 points, 9.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game since returning.

  • Tatum suffered the Achilles injury during a game against the Knicks at MSG last April.
  • Tatum will make his return to MSG on Thursday, April 10, 2026.

The players

Jayson Tatum

A star forward for the Boston Celtics who is returning to Madison Square Garden for the first time since suffering a devastating Achilles tear there last season.

Jaylen Brown

Tatum's All-Star teammate on the Celtics, who has been a key part of the team's success this season.

Derrick White

A versatile guard for the Celtics who has provided valuable contributions off the bench.

Neemias Queta

A young center for the Celtics who has stepped up with increased playing time this season.

Payton Pritchard

A third-year guard for the Celtics who has provided a scoring punch off the bench.

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What they’re saying

“I mean, yeah, I've thought about it. I'm not like, thrilled, to go back and play there. Last time I played there, obviously, it was a traumatic experience for me.”

— Jayson Tatum

“Klay [Thompson] told me this after we played them the first time, he's just like, 'Man, he's like one thing he wished he did more, when he first came back was just give himself more grace. He was like, 'There's not too many people understand what this injury is like and coming back and the ups and downs, physically and mentally that you deal with.'”

— Jayson Tatum

“There was definitely a player I played with for one season in L.A. who just wasn't made for the playoffs. I'd rather not say who it was, but there was definitely a player like that, and it became clear pretty early.”

— Dennis Schroeder

What’s next

The Celtics will look to clinch the second seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs with a win over the Knicks on Thursday. Tatum's performance and ability to overcome his nerves will be a key factor in that outcome.

The takeaway

Tatum's return to MSG, the site of his devastating Achilles injury, is a significant mental and physical hurdle in his recovery. While he's still not fully comfortable, the Celtics star is determined to push through and continue his strong play as the team gears up for the playoffs.