Celtics star Jayson Tatum reflects on 'emotional' NBA comeback

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It’s been 10 months since Jayson Tatum last suited up for the Boston Celtics in an NBA game. That stretch ended Friday night, when the star forward made his 2025-26 debut against the Dallas Mavericks.

Before the game, Tatum acknowledged he was bracing for a flood of emotions as he prepared to return.

“Stepping onto the court for the first time, I might be emotional, but I’ll be excited,” he said. “I’ll be anxious. And I’ll just be proud of myself that I made it to that point. There’s been some long days over the last 42 weeks.”

Tatum delivered a double-double in his quicker-than-expected return from the Achilles injury he suffered during a playoff game against the New York Knicks. He scored 15 points and pulled down 12 rebounds in 27 minutes as the Celtics beat the Mavericks 120-100 Friday night.

After the win, Tatum opened up about the hurdles he cleared to get back on the court.

“It was surreal. It was an emotional day. It’s been a long journey. God is the greatest, getting me to this point. Many days I dreamed about this and for it to finally happen and share with my family, my teammates, the crowd. It was everything I could have dreamed of,” Tatum said.

While he learned he was medically cleared in February, Tatum said his mental readiness took longer.

Jayson Tatum shoots the basketball during a game

“Physically, you’re clear, you can do all the things,” he said. “But it’s a long time that I haven’t competed or played in a game. That mental hurdle is a real thing.”