Celtics’ Brad Stevens sets record straight on Jayson Tatum’s Game 7 injury absence

Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens clarified the decision to hold Jayson Tatum out of Game 7, explaining the injury concern that ultimately led to his absence in Boston’s 109–100 loss.

Speaking during Wednesday’s exit interviews, Stevens detailed how the situation developed following Game 6, when Tatum initially experienced leg discomfort late in the contest. His comments were shared in a video posted to X, formerly known as Twitter, by Daniel Donabedian of Celtics Wire.

“At the end of Game 6, we thought that it would dissipate and be okay the next day. He didn’t do very much on Friday, just rested and came in on Saturday morning and tried to do a workout. I watched it, and it clearly didn’t feel right.”

Stevens emphasized that the organization prioritized caution after evaluating Tatum’s condition during pregame testing.

“I think it’s not like a long, long, long term concern but it certainly didn’t look right when he was working out and didn’t feel right so it made sense to be smart about that. I mean I think the obvious answer is that anytime that you’re coming back from an injury like he was coming from, there’s a tendency to overcompensate and there’s probably a little bit of that right there.”

Brad Stevens on Jayson Tatum missing G7:

“(He) came in on Saturday morning and tried to do a workout. I watched it, and it clearly didn't feel right.”

“Anytime you're coming back from an injury like he was coming from, there's a tendency to overcompensate.” pic.twitter.com/MK5Jj5LOJb

— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) May 6, 2026

The decision to sideline Tatum came despite earlier optimism surrounding his availability. Head coach Joe Mazzulla had indicated prior to the game on Friday that Tatum would play, while ESPN’s Shams Charania also reported a “positive” outlook regarding his status.

Tatum himself had downplayed the issue following Game 6, describing the discomfort as stiffness and expressing confidence he would be ready. However, after limited activity on Friday and an unsuccessful workout Saturday morning, the Celtics ultimately ruled him out shortly before tipoff.

Jayson Tatum’s absence looms large as Celtics fall to 76ers in Game 7

Boston struggled without its franchise cornerstone, falling to the Philadelphia 76ers as its season came to an end at TD Garden.

Tatum had been a central figure in the series prior to the injury. Across six postseason games, he averaged 23.3 points, 10.7 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.2 steals while shooting 47.7% from the field and 36.5% from three-point range in 36.3 minutes per contest.

The 27-year-old was still working his way back into full rhythm after returning earlier in the year from the Achilles tear he suffered during last season’s playoffs. Stevens’ comments suggested that the combination of recovery and potential overcompensation may have contributed to the setback.

While the absence proved costly in a decisive Game 7, Stevens made clear the organization viewed the decision as necessary in the long-term context of Tatum’s health.

Boston now turns its focus to the offseason following a campaign that ended short of expectations despite strong regular-season performance and Tatum’s continued role as the team’s focal point.

The post Celtics’ Brad Stevens sets record straight on Jayson Tatum’s Game 7 injury absence appeared first on ClutchPoints.