Celtics' Tatum Relieved to Leave MSG 'On 2 Feet' After Loss

Boston star returns to arena where he suffered Achilles injury 11 months ago

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:27am

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting in a cubist style, breaking down a basketball game between the Celtics and Knicks into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes of vibrant green, orange, and brown colors.An abstract, cubist interpretation of the intense playoff rivalry between the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks, capturing the energy and intensity of their matchups.Boston Today

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum was relieved to leave Madison Square Garden on his own two feet after the team's 112-106 loss to the New York Knicks on Thursday night. Tatum, who ruptured his Achilles tendon at MSG during the playoffs last year, flirted with a triple-double, scoring 24 points with 13 rebounds and 8 assists.

Why it matters

Tatum's return to MSG was a significant milestone in his recovery from the devastating Achilles injury he suffered at the arena last season. The standing ovation he received from the crowd showed the respect he has earned around the league for his perseverance.

The details

Tatum shot 7-for-22 from the field but was happy to simply walk off the court uninjured. 'It was a big moment, a big hurdle for me. I was nervous and anxious to come back here,' Tatum said. 'Obviously, I wanted to win and play great, but more importantly, I just kind of wanted to walk off the floor on my own two feet.'

  • Tatum ruptured his Achilles tendon at Madison Square Garden during the Eastern Conference semifinals 11 months ago.
  • The Celtics lost to the Knicks 112-106 on Thursday, April 10, 2026.

The players

Jayson Tatum

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

Payton Pritchard

A Celtics guard who had 23 points, 3 rebounds and 6 assists off the bench in the loss to the Knicks.

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What they’re saying

“It was a big moment, a big hurdle for me. I was nervous and anxious to come back here. Obviously, I wanted to win and play great, but more importantly, I just kind of wanted to walk off the floor on my own two feet.”

— Jayson Tatum, Celtics Forward

“Obviously, we have to take care of the first round first. I don't think we play them in the first round, so that's where our focus is. If we see them again, we'll be ready.”

— Payton Pritchard, Celtics Guard

What’s next

There's a strong possibility the Celtics and Knicks will meet in the playoffs, as they are the second and third seeds in the Eastern Conference. Celtics guard Payton Pritchard said the team will be ready if they face the Knicks again after taking care of business in the first round.

The takeaway

Tatum's return to MSG, the site of his devastating Achilles injury, was an important milestone in his recovery. The standing ovation he received showed the respect he has earned around the league, and the Celtics will be eager for another shot at the Knicks in the playoffs after Thursday's loss.