Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum played his first game at Madison Square Garden for the first time since he suffered a season-ending torn Achilles tendon during the 2025 NBA playoffs. Fans have been looking forward to this game since he made his regular-season debut on March 6.
Leading up to Thursday’s game against the New York Knicks, Tatum was asked by reporters about how he feels setting foot at MSG. According to the one-time champion, he wasn’t looking forward to it. Although he told reporters that he has thought about it, it wasn’t a contest that he’s excited for.
He said that the last time he played in the arena, it resulted in a “traumatic experience” for him. Tatum still suited up for the Celtics and treated it like a normal game.
Jayson Tatum Appreciates the Reception From Knicks Fans
During the pregame introductions, the fans at the arena gave Tatum a warm welcome. As he made his way to the court, the fans gave him an ovation for his recovery from the devastating injury. His teammates, though, did not have the same reception.
Jayson Tatum got applause when he was introduced here at MSG
A notable shift from the boos the rest of the roster got
He makes his return to MSG 11 months after rupturing his Achilles here pic.twitter.com/NO4X7oI4ZX— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) April 9, 2026
Tatum was appreciative of the fans’ gesture, he told the media after the Knicks’ 112-106 win. According to him, the way others have reacted to his return from injury has meant a lot. Seeing the fans from the opposing team cheering for the Celtics star was a grand gesture.
This helped Tatum focus on his game, as he led the team with 24 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists. All-Star forward Jaylen Brown did not play, as the Celtics ruled him out due to a left Achilles injury.
Tatum wasn’t looking forward to playing at MSG, but he was happy to overcome the challenge.
“It was a big moment, a big hurdle for me. I was nervous and anxious to come back here,” the six-time All-Star said.
Jayson Tatum on his first game back at MSG being a significant step in the mental side of his recovery:
“It was a big moment, a big hurdle for me. I was nervous and anxious to come back here.” pic.twitter.com/Hf8cjYe5Oi— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) April 10, 2026
The NBA star also said that he “felt a lot better” after the game. Although he wished to get the win, he was more grateful that he was able to leave the arena without getting hurt.
Tatum suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon in the fourth quarter of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals. His injury was a significant blow to the Celtics’ championship hopes. He spent ten months in rehab and recuperation after the team quickly declared him out for the remainder of the postseason.
Related: Jayson Tatum Admits ‘Traumatic Experience’ at MSG Ahead of Knicks Game