Tatum's Return, Brown's ejection, and the road ahead
The Celtics title odds are changing in real-time
Welcome back to the Celtics Hub and welcome back to Jayson Tatum!
What an absolute rush to see him return Friday night against the Mavericks. It’s easy to get caught up in the vacuum of day-to-day as we analyze his return, but before we talk about any of that, can we just take a step back for a second?
We all probably approached this season differently as fans after Tatum tore his Achilles.
We had the Simons should start and make an All-Star team camp.
The ‘Gap Year’ camp.
But you know what camp I was not a part of? The 50-win camp.
Out of all the scenarios that we played out at the beginning of this season, it never crossed my mind that we would be sitting in the 2 seed with a month left in the regular season and that the perennial first-team all-star, MVP candidate who just obliterated one of his tendons would be back playing close to full. I hope you all are just sitting back and enjoying this run.
Now, on to the court. Tatum has logged 3 games under his belt so far, and even though Coach Joe said he was not on a minute restriction, he clearly is at about 27 minutes. 27 is incredible.
I had it pegged at about 18-24 minutes for the first month he returned to action and finding rest spots, but he is clearly much closer to full than we all thought.
He’s looked a bit rusty, but not in a concerning way. I have found myself just staring at his feet anytime he does anything.
DID THAT JUMP LOOK NORMAL? THAT FIRST STEP IS FINE, RIGHT? HE’S FINE, RIGHT?!
I can’t help it, but you know what, he does look good! I promised myself I would still take it day by day and just enjoy it. I’m not going to let the shifting in odds that have made the Celtics favorites to come out of the East add more pressure or change the level of fun and excitement this team has brought me this season.
Other Celtic News:
Bam’s big record-setting game in real-time distracted the media from Jaylen Brown’s ejection
Vucevic underwent surgery on his fractured ring finger. He’s being re-evaluated in 3-4 weeks.
Big test against the defending champs OKC, is on Thursday night
Frank Observations
Mike is right. The excitement is palpable. The odds are shifting in real time, which is what made the match-up against the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday a must-see game.
I joined a Live Game chat for the Celtics/Spurs game, hosted by one of the NBA Blogfathers J.E. Skeets. Chat was buzzing as the game was going on. Hard play on both sides, including Hauser knocking Wemby out of the game for a bit with a hit to the face.
It was chippy, but midway through the second, Jaylen Brown got a double technical for arguing with the ref and was ejected from the game.
With Tatum’s return, I’ve been both excited and concerned about a scenario in which JB is out for any reason, putting more responsibility on Tatum as he eases himself back.
How would the team play with Tatum as the best player on the floor?
Turns out the team plans to play through Derrick White until he’s back to full speed.
White has 34 points. Tatum had his season high of 24 points, and they got an unexpected Career high from Ron Harper Jr., going for 22.
With Jaylen Brown, there are clear scorers still available on the roster. However, in a 7-game series, against the best in the league, it’s not a sustainable formula. JB is not just their top scorer, he’s also one of their best defenders. In an All-Star, guard-heavy East, he’ll be needed against teams like the Knicks, Pistons, and Cavs.
No over-reaction. It’s Jaylen’s second ejection ever; this won’t be a habit.
But for a good playoff run, the Celtics will need their full roster to contend each night.
A MOMENT WITH MAZZULLA
Everyone knows Joe Mazzula is a unique coach. During the post-game, Joe Mazzulla was asked about his thoughts related to Jaylen Brown’s ejection.
And of course, we got another classic Joe response.☘️
Are you a Celtics Sicko?
Is this not enough Celtics news for you? Well, you’re in for a treat. Check out these recent posts from other Celtic writers:
CelticStack - The Auerbach Report: 3.10.26
“Hugo!! We have a guy. I keep saying this phrase. But I’ll be a broken record all day. We have a guy in Hugo…Hugo can do so many things. He can knock down threes of the ball, especially in the corner. He keeps the offense moving, not yet a distribute, but very much a connector. And when he isn’t racking in rbebounds from the sky, he’s guarding the opponent’s best scorer— and usually winning.”
Adam Taylor - Celtics Chronicles: 5 Tatum-Based Takeaways
Are you still surprised by Tatum’s return? Put on your lab coat as Adam Taylor Adam Taylor breaks down the 5 reasons Tatum’s return isn’t just impressive, but how it unlocks the Celtics’ potential.
Here’s one. Tatum’s Processing Speed
“Processing speed has been one of Tatum’s superpowers for years. His ability to read the game at an elite level and make instantaneous reads them punishes the defense—even when they’re doing everything right…He will notice small passing pockets. He will find swing passes that unlock a defense. He will force mismatches with ease. And, he will control the tempo of the game.”
Do yourself a favor and read the full article.
Stay tuned for more Celtics news and stories.
LOVE this post format!!! Go C's and welcome back JT ☘️☘️☘️
This is where Tatum reminds me of Bird. He makes everyone around him better.