CLEVELAND (AP) — Celtics Power forward Jayson Tatum was grateful he made his comeback of a ruptured right Achilles tendon at home in Boston.
The six-time All-Star was almost as happy that his second game was on the road Sunday afternoon.
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Tatum scored six of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, delivering the dagger on a 3-pointer with 1:59 left as the Celtics beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 109-98 in a battle of Eastern Conference contenders.
“Today was a lot more normal, just from a preparation standpoint in this league,” he said. “I felt like I was back in the flow again.
“It’s just amazing how happy I am to be back and want to be around more.”
Two nights earlier, Tatum had 15 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists in his emotional return to TD Garden in a game defeat the Dallas Mavericks. He received numerous ovations during his first action since tendon rupture in playoffs on May 12.
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The fans at Rocket Arena weren’t as nice to him, but those wearing Celtics gear cheered every time he touched the ball. Among them was his mother, Brandy Cole-Barnes, who surprised him by making the trip.
Tatum and his mother were inseparable during his 298-day rehabilitation period, which began after reconstructive surgery on May 13.
“She texted me this morning and said, ‘Hey, I’m coming to Cleveland,'” he said, smiling. “I looked up in the crowd and she was crying. Seeing me on the field obviously brings her a lot of joy.”
The 6-foot-8 Tatum started, logging 27 minutes and scoring 6 of 16 in each game. His playing time is limited for precautionary reasons, but Boston coach Joe Mazzulla made sure Tatum was on the court at the critical moment.
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Tatum missed all six of his shots in the second and third quarters before going through in his final seven-minute stretch. He shared the court with his longtime Celtics teammates – and fellow 2024 NBA champions – Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard.
“We’re happy to have a first-team All-NBA player back who can do it all,” Pritchard said. “It makes us a really good team and he looks amazing. He’s doing things that not a lot of players have done. It’s an easy transition for all of us.”
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