Celtics All-Star Jayson Tatum has played through a painful bone bruise and wrist injury, but his performance didn’t suffer. In Game 5 against the Orlando Magic, he scored an efficient 35 points and dished out a game-high 10 assists to lead the Celtics to a blowout win of 120-89.
Tatum’s best work came in this game, where he was unfazed by the need to adjust his playstyle due to a challenging Magic defense. His title experience from last season seemed to pay dividends as he navigated the playoffs with ease. “I said this season is the most relaxed and carefree that I’ve been in my career,” Tatum stated. “Understanding that we won last year, it’s got that monkey off our back.”
The new mentality has translated into one of the best all-around seasons for Tatum, taking some pressure off after coming up short in the playoffs in 2022 and 2023. His teammates praised his performance, saying he went to another level when it mattered most. Al Horford stated, “Very impressive… He knows what to do and takes over when we need him.”
The Celtics will get at least a few days of rest before facing off against the Knicks or Pistons in the second round. Tatum said the series was a good test for their mental toughness, showcasing that they can overcome adversity and win. As a group, they’ve been through tough situations and proved it this series. With a newfound sense of freedom and confidence, the Celtics are looking forward to their next challenge.
Source: https://www.masslive.com/celtics/2025/04/jayson-tatum-makes-candid-admission-after-boston-celtics-series-win-vs-magic.html