Topic / Subject

Jayson Tatum says he feels back in rhythm after scoring 20 points in his second game back for Boston.

TL;DR

The biggest Celtics update is not just that Tatum returned, it is that he already sounds comfortable. That is a scary sign for the rest of the East if his workload keeps rising.

Key Details

• ESPN reported Tatum scored 20 points against Cleveland in his second game back

• He played 27 minutes in each of his first two games since returning

• His return came after a 298-day recovery from Achilles surgery

• Reuters noted Boston beat Cleveland 109 to 98

• Tatum said he feels back in the flow, per ESPN

Breakdown

For Boston, the headline is bigger than one box score. Tatum is back, he is productive, and maybe most important, he sounds confident already. That matters because recovering physically is one thing, but looking mentally settled this fast is another.

Per ESPN, Tatum scored 20 against Cleveland and said he feels back in the flow. That is exactly what the Celtics wanted to hear. The minutes are still being managed, but the tone around his comeback is already strong.

Reuters noted Boston beat Cleveland 109 to 98, which adds to the larger point. The Celtics are still dangerous, and if Tatum keeps moving this well, the ceiling gets serious again very quickly.

What to Watch Next

• Whether Boston raises Tatum’s minutes soon

• How he responds in back-to-back game situations

• Whether the Celtics start to look like the East favorite again

Sources

ESPN — Celtics’ Jayson Tatum scores 20 vs. Cavaliers, back in the flow

Reuters — NBA roundup: Suns halt Hornets’ 10-game road winning streak

Comment

How long do you think it takes before Boston lets Tatum play full starter minutes again?