Everything Jayson Tatum Said About 1st Playoff Game Back From Injury After Celtics' Win vs. 76ers

Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum excelled during the team's 123-91 win over the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of the first round of the playoffs on Sunday.

Tatum finished with 25 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists while shooting 9-of-17 from the field in his first playoff game since suffering a torn Achilles in May 2025.

"I'm still rehabbing," Tatum told reporters after the game. "I'm still returning. I mean, I returned to play obviously but I still attack rehab every single day except for when we have off days. So obviously that's the main difference."

The six-time All-Star's season debut was delayed until March 6 while he recovered.

"I've missed playing in front of our home crowd," Tatum told reporters Sunday. "Just the opportunity again to play here in the playoffs is special and something I'll never take for granted."

There was some uncertainty if he would be able to play during the 2025-26 season, but he came back to suit up and help the Celtics clinch the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference with a 56-26 record.

"It's an incredible feeling," Tatum said in an interview with ESPN's Jorge Sedano (0:07 mark). "Not too long ago I wasn't even sure if I was going to be able to play this season, let alone get an opportunity to play in the playoffs. Today was probably the most excited, relaxed and grateful I've been in about my nine years of being in the playoffs. I'm just super happy to be able to be out here and play."

Tatum also revealed when he realized that he'd be able to play this season.

"The day that it changed or became a real thought is when I got assigned to the G League and played, we had the scrimmage," Tatum told the media. "That was really the first time that it was like, 'Oh I might come back this year.'"

He was assigned to the G League's Maine Celtics to participate in portions of practice as part of his rehab on Feb. 9.

Now, Boston is looking to take down a Philadelphia squad missing star center Joel Embiid while he recovers from an appendectomy.

"They're not really like a traditional seventh seed," Tatum said of the 76ers at his Sunday press conference. "They're really really talented team, great coaching staff. Nick Nurse is a championship coach."

The Celtics will look to take a commanding 2-0 series lead over the 76ers in Game 2 on Tuesday.