On Sunday afternoon, the Boston Celtics continued their winning ways with a relatively comfortable road win over the Cleveland Cavaliers. It was the second game back from an Achilles injury for star Jayson Tatum, who scored 20 points in a defensive clinic for Boston.
Before tipoff, Cavs star James Harden hugged Tatum as he took the stage, and ESPN cameras caught Harden's kind message to the Celtics star.
"Proud of you, brother. Congratulations," said Harden, formerly of Ax, on Twitter, according to SportsCenter.
"Proud of you brother. Congratulations." ❤️
James Harden makes a great gesture towards Jayson Tatum before the game as he completes his return from his Achilles injury 🙌 pic.twitter.com/f8nj1VUNed
- Sports Center (@SportsCenter) 8 March 2026
Tatum completed one of the quickest recoveries from an Achilles injury the NBA has ever seen, suffered during Boston's playoff loss to the New York Knicks last May.
In his absence this season, the Celtics have been one of the most surprising stories in the NBA, currently sitting in the number two spot in the Eastern Conference, with Jaylen Brown receiving some minor consideration for the league MVP award for his play so far this year.
However, any legitimate chance the Celtics have to compete for a second championship in the modern era depends on the health of Tatum, who has looked solid so far in his two games since returning from injury. Although efficiency and explosiveness will need some time to return, Tatum's shooting form certainly looks smoother than before the setback, and he has shown little hesitation in putting the ball on the floor and looking for his shot.
He also looks to be able to move his feet relatively well on the defensive end of the floor, even though it may take him some time to fully regain his athletic ability and burst.
In any case, the Celtics will next take the field on Tuesday evening for a tough road game against the San Antonio Spurs.
