Following a significant victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder, an NBA expert has reassured fans and critics about Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum's current form. Despite noticeable rust in his shooting accuracy after a ten-month recovery period from an Achilles tendon tear, the insider emphasizes that Tatum's overall contribution to the team's dynamics is substantial, and his full potential is anticipated to emerge when it matters most: during the playoffs.
The Boston Celtics secured a crucial 119-109 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, a game many considered to be one of their most important of the 2025-26 season. While Jaylen Brown was the leading scorer, Jayson Tatum also delivered a comprehensive performance, showcasing his versatility on the court.
Tatum has been gradually regaining his rhythm after a lengthy absence due to an Achilles injury. His return to action after ten months has seen him contribute significantly in various aspects of the game, although his shooting percentages have been lower than his career averages. This dip in shooting efficiency has led to some apprehension among observers.
However, ESPN's NBA insider Tim MacMahon strongly countered these concerns on the show "Get Up." MacMahon urged a calm perspective, stating that it's premature to panic over a small sample size of shooting statistics from a player who has just completed an extensive rehabilitation. He highlighted that Tatum's current focus is on building up his form, and his prime performance is expected later in the season.
MacMahon specifically pointed out that the Celtics do not require Tatum to be at his absolute best in March. Instead, his peak performance will be critical in May, as the team advances towards the postseason. He confidently asserted that if Tatum reaches his full potential by playoff time, the Celtics are undoubtedly the top contenders in the Eastern Conference.
In his initial nine games back, Tatum has averaged 19.1 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per contest. His shooting splits, specifically 39.1% from the field and 30.9% from beyond the arc, are expected to improve as the season progresses and he shakes off more of the rust. Notably, Tatum has already made an immediate impact as a rebounder, and his presence on the offensive end commands significant defensive attention from opposing teams.
The defensive gravity that Tatum creates opens up numerous opportunities for his teammates, making their offensive plays easier even when his shots aren't falling. This collective benefit underscores his value beyond just scoring. The Celtics are looking to maintain their positive momentum as they prepare to face the Atlanta Hawks on Friday night.
The emphasis from the NBA insider is clear: patience is key with Jayson Tatum's return. His importance to the Celtics extends beyond individual statistics, and his current phase is a ramp-up towards what is anticipated to be a dominant playoff run, solidifying Boston's position as a leading force in the Eastern Conference.