Jayson Tatum Reacts to Missing Celtics’ Game 7 With ‘Unfortunate’ Injury

News ArticlePublishedMay 03, 2026 at 05:35 PM EDTBy Matthew CoudenContributing WriterThe Celtics held a 3-1 lead over the Philadelphia 76ers, which soon became a 3-2 lead, and then a tied series, heading back to Boston, and most fans believe it shouldn't have ever gone to Game 7.However, it did, and the Celtics had to play a full-powered 76ers squad as Jayson Tatum could only watch his teammates and offer support from the sidelines. The multi-time All-Star was seated on the bench in the crucial Game 7, due to the team choosing to hold him out with knee stiffness.Tatum participated in all of the other games of this first-round Eastern Conference series, but his sitting out this one was considered the right move by many. He suffered a brutal torn Achilles tendon injury in last year's postseason, which resulted in surgery and a grueling rehab.He returned to play 16 games in the regular season as his team was already a strong playoff contender in the Eastern Conference. More news: RJ Barrett Sends Clear Message on Raptors for Game 7 After Game-Winner...That's something that many other athletes may not have done. And despite playing most of this series, Tatum was likely disappointed