When star players come back from injury during a playoff push, the pressure is usually on to hit the ground running. But Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics is enjoying a rare luxury: time to find his rhythm again. Over his last five games, Tatum has consistently put up between 20 and 24 points-a remarkable feat considering he's returning from an Achilles tear.
The Celtics have been a strong unit even in Tatum's absence, so there's no rush to thrust him back into his MVP-caliber form. Right now, a solid version of Tatum is still a huge asset, and the team has the depth to allow him to ease back without compromising their season's success.
As the playoffs loom, the Celtics will eventually need Tatum firing on all cylinders. Without him at full strength, they’re likely contenders for the Eastern Conference Finals. But with Tatum fully unleashed, they could be the favorites in a wide-open East.
The Celtics have gone 4-1 in Tatum’s recent games, showing that his gradual return is already boosting their performance. That’s impressive for someone who’s been sidelined for nearly a year.
Meanwhile, with Cade Cunningham sidelined due to a collapsed lung, the top spot in the East is more attainable. The Celtics are just 3.5 games away from clinching it.
But rushing for the top seed shouldn’t be the priority. The real goal is the NBA Finals, and if pacing Tatum's return helps achieve that, then it’s a smart strategy.