Jayson Tatum Makes Emotional Celtics Return After Achilles

Jayson Tatum returned to TD Garden for his first game since tearing his Achilles last May, confirming he would play Friday against the Mavericks and saying "I'm excited" and "I might be emotional." He had surgery May 13 and will slot back into the starting lineup. Coach Joe Mazzulla admitted he had "no idea" about minutes, while reports vary from no restriction to a likely 20-minute cap as the Celtics press through the final month. Merlin sees a careful climb. Boston sits 41-21, so these last 19 games are a pocket to rebuild Tatum toward peak form without burning him out. A cautious minutes plan preserves his explosiveness and boosts Boston’s playoff ceiling. Watch his first outings for scoring bursts, rebounding and how his body holds up.