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Why Celtics' Jayson Tatum Feels 'A Lot Better' After Madison Square Garden Return originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Although the Boston Celtics didn't leave New York victorious, Jayson Tatum still checked off a big box on Thursday.
Tatum played at Madison Square Garden for the first time since tearing his Achilles tendon at the World's Most Famous Arena last postseason. Eleven months later, he recorded 24 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists in a season-high 40 minutes.
Following the 112-106 loss, Tatum told reporters that he "absolutely" felt relieved to get through the game in New York.
"It was a big moment, a big hurdle for me," Tatum said, via CLNS Media. "I was nervous and anxious to come back here. Obviously, I wanted to win and play great, but more importantly, I just kind of wanted to walk off the floor on my own two feet."
Tatum admitted that it took some time to settle his nerves at the start of the game.
"It was a lot," Tatum said. "Especially in the beginning. It took me a while to calm down."
The 28-year-old called it "huge" to achieve a mental victory by returning to the scene of his severe injury.
"Today was important for me, especially when I made the decision to come back and then made the decision to play today," Tatum said. "I'm glad I did. I feel a lot better, even though we lost."
Tatum didn't walk into overly hostile territory, as Knicks fans gave him a warm ovation during pre-game introductions. He showed gratitude for the gesture and overall response around the league.
"Since I've returned, the reception that I've gotten from players, coaches I've never even spoken to, GMs, has been great," Tatum said. "Even today when they announced my name, it was kind of loud in there. And that means a lot, obviously, wearing a Celtics uniform that just showing their respect because it happened in this building. I appreciated that."
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