Cavaliers star commends Jayson Tatum for inspirational comeback

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Cavaliers star commends Jayson Tatum for inspirational comeback

Souichi Terada · MassLive

Mon, Mar 9, 2026 ·

2 min read

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Jayson Tatum and James Harden shared a moment in Sunday's game between the Celtics and Cavaliers . Tatum is in his second game back from his Achilles injury and he's still working his way back into game shape and form.

Harden passed on a message and good vibes to Tatum on Sunday. The Celtics beat the Cavaliers 109-98 to sweep the season series. Tatum finished with 20 points, three rebounds and two assists in his 27 minutes played.

"I just told him, you see a young guy, especially at that caliber who had so much success and won a championship going through adversity," Harden told reporters in Cleveland . "For him to have the mindset of nothing can slow him down and stop him and he comes back. First game back, plays well. Today, plays well. I think that's an inspiration in itself."

Tatum made his return last Friday against the Mavericks , which drew a crowd that resembled a playoff atmosphere. Sunday's game was certainly important between two of the top-4 teams in the East this season. But Tatum said it felt good to be back in a normal routine, even if he doesn't love his current minutes restriction.

There were multiple moments Sunday where Tatum looked like himself. The spurts are encouraging considering there will be an ease-in period coming off such a devastating injury. Tatum was physical on some of his rebounds, plus he drove to the bucket to get his buckets. Just like he's done plenty of times in his career.

"I feel confident, and that was a big thing," Tatum said. "Before I made a decision to come back, I wanted to feel confident. I know it's not going to go exactly how I wanted to. I think for me is my conditioning."

The Celtics have another 18 games left in the regular season to keep incorporating Tatum back into the fold. Sunday looked great as the Celtics knocked off the Cavs for the third time this season. It's unclear what the plan will be for Tatum going forward, but for now, the comeback looks smooth.

"I think he looks good," Donovan Mitchell said. "I think there's some hesitancy naturally. It's been 300 days. You see how he started the game. Even the slow start in Dallas . All it takes is a few moves. That can be an Achilles, that can be a groin. All he needs is a few move to be like, 'Alright.' Then you're back to it. But he looks really, really, really good."

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