The Boston Celtics’ double-digit win over the Orlando Magic in Sport 1 of the groups’ first-round NBA playoff sequence included a hold-your-breath second for followers at TD Backyard.
With the Celtics main by 16 factors early within the fourth quarter, Jayson Tatum drove to the basket and was fouled exhausting by Orlando’s Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Tatum landed awkwardly on his proper wrist and remained on the ground in apparent discomfort.
Tatum bought up beneath his personal energy and stayed within the recreation, and whereas he missed each free throws after Caldwell-Pope was assessed a technical foul, he hit a 3-pointer about two minutes later within the contest.
Tatum appeared to seize his proper wrist on a number of events down the stretch earlier than exiting Boston’s 103-86 win with 17 factors on 8 for 22 capturing (1 for 8 from 3-point vary) with 14 rebounds, 4 assists and a steal.
The Celtics star confirmed he obtained an X-ray on his proper wrist after the sport however mentioned it got here again “clear,” including, “I am good.”
“It is all proper. Simply fell on it, landed on it,” Tatum mentioned when requested in regards to the damage. “… It was throbbing for a second, (then) sort of went away.”
Head coach Joe Mazzulla additionally downplayed Tatum’s damage after the sport, responding, “He is good,” when requested in regards to the All-Star’s standing. And contemplating Tatum stayed within the recreation, it would not seem the ailment is just too severe.
Nonetheless, Tatum’s damage is completely value monitoring going ahead, particularly because it’s on his capturing hand and will affect his shot within the postseason. (Tatum has handled accidents to his left wrist prior to now, electing to not bear surgical procedure throughout the 2023 offseason.)
Tatum can have two full days to get therapy on the wrist earlier than Sport 2 on Wednesday night time at TD Backyard. Tip-off is ready for 7 p.m. ET on NBC Sports activities Boston.
