Joe Mazzulla reveals why Jayson Tatum and Celtics needed each other

BOSTON — Just a little over 340 days ago, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum went under the knife to repair his ruptured right Achilles. But, by the way he was playing during the Celtics’ 123-91 drubbing of the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of the first round on Sunday afternoon, it looked like he’d never went into surgery in his entire life.

Despite missing a whopping 66 games this season while rehabbing his lower right leg, Tatum wasn’t out of sorts for long when he returned to play. And it seemed like he was completely back to normal — or even better — on Sunday at TD Garden, as the six-time All-Star finished with 25 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals in just 32 minutes of play.

Jayson Tatum SLAM

The Celtics lead the Sixers 60-39 nearing halftime of Game 1! pic.twitter.com/vAlzEcEHI9

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 19, 2026

“It’s pretty nuts, kind of how far he’s come and how fast he’s gotten back,” Celtics wing Sam Hauser remarked in the locker room. “But it just shows how determined and committed he was to his rehab and wanting to get back…So it’s pretty impressive what he’s doing. And he never takes a day for granted.”

Following his devastating Achilles rupture, Tatum didn’t know if he’d be able to play basketball again. The physical hurdles obviously needed to be considered, yet the massive mental obstacles were arguably more daunting.

Tatum pondered whether or not he could play like a superstar in the wake of his season-ending injury and he reflected upon how a hasty return might disrupt the Celtics’ chemistry. However, before those misgivings overwhelmed him, Tatum’s friends, family, and teammates told him that he’d figure it out.

“The confidence that they instilled in me was impactful,” Tatum said of his teammates’ supportive words.

Jayson Tatum shared a great story with @TaylorRooks about an inspiring chat he had with former Celtic Xavier Tillman Sr:

JT: “X…Do I still got it?”

Tillman: “If your name was John Doe and I didn’t know you, I would have never known you got injured. Bro, you are ready.” pic.twitter.com/ycOK5fPuhj

— Daniel Donabedian (@danield1214) April 9, 2026

Those helpful conversations were with everyone from former Celtics big man Xavier Tillman Sr. to current Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla. Plus, those are just the ones the media has been privy to because there have certainly been many more long talks held behind closed doors that boosted Tatum’s belief in himself.

“I think he just built it through work,” Mazzulla said of Tatum’s confidence. “Built it through having great people around: his teammates, family, trainers. He has a lot of great people in his life. So I think he built that through just a work ethic.”

Why being around the Celtics was good for Jayson Tatum’s recovery

By embracing his own circle of trust and refusing to isolate himself, Tatum was able to recover and lean on others, including the Celtics. His teammates were always there to talk to him on the bench when he was in plain clothes and they constantly reminded him that he would not only be back, but also that he belonged on the team.

“[I] kind of go back to where he didn’t distance himself, and being around with us the whole time,” Mazzulla recalled. “And I think we needed him. He needed us. We needed each other.”

Sunday provided definitive proof that the Celtics need Tatum for the long run. The Green Team appeared almost unstoppable when he was hitting jumpers and crashing the boards alongside fellow star Jaylen Brown, who finished with a game-high 26 points to complement Tatum’s big game.

“So, where [Tatum] is at now, I think he’s continuing to get better,” Mazzulla praised. “I think he’s focused on the stuff that matters most, his health, continuing to get better, and giving the game what it needs on both ends of the floor.”

Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum each scored 20+ points in the same playoff game for the 50th time, the second most in Celtics history behind Larry Bird and Kevin McHale (58) pic.twitter.com/7ATI79CtuU

— ESPN Insights (@ESPNInsights) April 19, 2026

If Tatum, Brown, and the rest of the Celtics continue to play like they did in Game 1, in which they dominated the margins and led the whole time, they will be hard to beat.

“I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish,” Tatum stated postgame. “I wasn’t even sure I was going to play this season, let alone get a chance to play today. So, I’m overly grateful that I’m in this position.”

Yet, in order to live up to their own high standards in Game 2 on Tuesday night, the Celtics will have to rely on one another — just like Mazzulla said.

“We all need each other,” he emphasized.

The post Joe Mazzulla reveals why Jayson Tatum and Celtics needed each other appeared first on ClutchPoints.