Celtics' Jayson Tatum Says 'This Injury Will Not Define Me' in Text to Reggie Miller
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum told TNT Sports' Reggie Miller in a text that the torn Achilles he suffered Monday will not define him as he looks forward to returning to the court.
Miller revealed the text during TNT's broadcast of Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Celtics and New York Knicks.
Tatum suffered the injury late in Game 4, when he scored 42 points in the Celtics' 121-113 loss to the Knicks.
The Celtics announced Tuesday that Tatum underwent successful surgery. There is no timetable for his return at this time.
Tatum posted a picture of himself from his hospital bed on Instagram Wednesday with the caption: "Thankful for all the love and support 🙏🏽."
The eighth-year pro, who has made six All-Star Games and will assuredly make his fourth All-NBA First Team, has never missed more than 10 games in a single regular season. He's also played 121 playoff games over the course of his career, making the postseason in each of his eight seasons.
The 27-year-old has proven to be one of the NBA's most reliable and productive superstars. Unfortunately, Tatum has a long road ahead, but obviously, he's determined to come back strong.
In the interim, the Celtics played hard without their leader, defeating the Knicks 127-102. Derrick White was red hot with 34 points, while Jaylen Brown added 28 and Luke Kornet provided seven blocks off the bench. Boston, now down 3-2 in the best-of-seven series, moved the matchup back to New York for a Friday night game at 8 p.m. ET.
