The Boston Celtics escaped the Brooklyn Nets in overtime, 125-124, at TD Garden on Tuesday, courtesy of Jayson Tatum's game-winning buzzer-beater.
Tatum, who carried the Celtics all game, capped off his heroic performance with a midrange bucket as time expired. He finished with 40 points on 10-of-20 shooting, five rebounds, and eight assists. The Celtics are on a three-game winning streak after dropping their season opener against the Detroit Pistons.
The 28-year-old Tatum has regained his prime form after missing the majority of last season due to an Achilles injury. While his comeback has been noteworthy, the six-time All-Star said it has also become sort of a curse.
“I don’t want to be the face of tearing your f****** Achilles,” said Tatum, as quoted by CLNS Media's Bobby Manning.
Tatum, however, clarified that he is always willing to help.
“One thing we take for granted is we're all under this umbrella of the NBA brotherhood. The same bond. Reaching out is very underrated. It goes a long way,” added the talented forward.
Article Continues BelowManning noted that Tatum said the connection he made with Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers and Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers during their recoveries “meant a lot.” Tatum, Haliburton, and Lillard all suffered an Achilles injury in the playoffs in 2025.
This season, Brandon Ingram of the Los Angeles Clippers, Ben Simmons of the Sacramento Kings, and Donte DiVincenzo of the Minnesota Timberwolves, among others, are dealing with the same setback.
In four games, Tatum is averaging 28.0 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 8.0 assists.

