Jayson Tatum laments injury that kept him out of Game 7: ‘Worst possible time’
Jayson Tatum expressed disappointment after being sidelined for Game 7 of the NBA playoffs due to a left calf injury, marking another setback following his recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon. Despite returning to near All-Star form in 16 regular-season games, Tatum was ruled out just before tip-off as part of the team's return-to-play protocol. He praised his teammates for their growth and performance during the season, calling it a joy to watch and be part of when healthy.
- ▪Jayson Tatum suffered a left calf injury during Game 6 against the Philadelphia 76ers, which kept him out of the decisive Game 7.
- ▪This injury came less than a year after Tatum ruptured his right Achilles tendon during the 2025 playoffs.
- ▪Tatum returned from the Achilles injury in March 2026 and averaged 21.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in 16 games.
- ▪He was downgraded to questionable before Game 7 and ultimately ruled out by the medical staff as part of the return-to-play protocol.
- ▪Tatum emphasized that the team's progress and cohesion should not be overshadowed by the disappointing end to their season.
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NBA Jayson Tatum laments injury that kept him out of Game 7: ‘Worst possible time’ By Bryan Fonseca Published May 3, 2026, 7:31 p.m. ET Jayson Tatum’s injury couldn’t have come at a worse time. And unfortunately, it’s the second time he has said such a thing in a year. Tatum ruptured his right Achilles tendon in early May during the second round of the 2025 playoffs amid a furious rally to try to tie up the Celtics-Knicks series at 2-2. And in Boston’s Game 6 loss against the 76ers, Tatum injured his left calf, which sidelined him in their 109-100 season-ending defeat, ending the Celtics’ 56-win season. “My recovery and comeback (from the Achilles injury) were going so well that how it ended, I didn’t think it was going to end that way.
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