Jayson Tatum continues to regain rhythm after the long layoff caused by a ruptured right Achilles tendon. In his second game since returning, the Boston Celtics star scored 20 points, helping secure a 109-98 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in a matchup between two top teams in the Eastern Conference.

Tatum scored six of his points in the fourth quarter, including the decisive three-pointer with 1:59 remaining that sealed the game for the Celtics.

After the game, the six-time All-Star explained that he is feeling closer and closer to normal:

Today felt much more normal from a preparation standpoint. It felt like I got back into the flow of the game. I’m really happy to be back and I just want to spend more and more time on the court

Jayson Tatum

His return had come two days earlier at TD Garden, where he posted 15 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists in a win over the Dallas Mavericks. That game marked his first appearance since the serious injury suffered during the 2025 NBA Playoffs on May 12.

The rehabilitation lasted 298 days, beginning after reconstructive surgery on May 13. Tatum revealed that his mother texted him the morning of the game to say she would be at Rocket Arena.

I looked up and she was there crying. Seeing me back on the court brings her a lot of joy

Jayson Tatum

The Celtics forward started both games in the starting lineup, playing 27 minutes in each and shooting 6-of-16 from the field in both outings. During the game, Tatum missed all of his shots between the second and third quarters, finding his rhythm again in the final seven minutes while sharing the floor with longtime teammates Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard, with whom he won the 2024 NBA title.

The performance also marks another notable stat: it was Tatum’s 11th consecutive game with at least 20 points against the Cavaliers, a streak surpassed in Celtics history only by Larry Bird, who recorded 13 straight against Cleveland.

It’s great to have an All-NBA player who can do everything back. It makes the team even stronger and it feels incredible. He’s doing things very few players have done

Payton Pritchard

From a defensive standpoint, Boston also held its opponent under 100 points for the 16th time this season, tying the Charlotte Hornets for the best mark in the NBA in that category.