Draymond Green Praises Jayson Tatum's Impressive Return from Achilles Injury After Celtics Win

Reign AmuraoThu, March 19, 2026 at 3:55 AM UTC

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Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum played against Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors for the first time since returning from his Achilles injury on Wednesday. Tatum spent approximately 10 months rehabbing from the devastating injury he suffered in the 2025 playoffs. On March 6, he had his much-awaited return to action.

Against the Warriors, Tatum played his third-straight game of at least 30 minutes on the floor. He helped the Celtics with the 120-99 win by scoring 24 points on 45.5% from downtown. The NBA star did more than score the basketball, as he also had 10 rebounds and two assists.

After the win, Green was asked about his thoughts on playing against Tatum post-injury.

Draymond Green's Honest Thoughts on Playing Against Jayson Tatum

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) and Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports (Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports)

“Still moving well, still (can) get downhill,” Green said. “Handle’s still there. He looks great.

Green knows that for an injury that severe, recovering speed and burst on the floor could take a while. However, he noticed how well Tatum moves on the floor and during transition plays.

“He looks incredible. It's amazing to see him back out there… I’m happy as hell to see him back out there.”

Green and Tatum also shared a moment after the game. Over the years, the two have formed a close bond. The former Duke star even attended the Warriors star's wedding in 2022. The Celtics star also posted a photo of himself with the four-time champion on his Instagram stories.

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“My brotha 🤞🏽” Tatum captioned.

Kristaps Porzingis Also Reacts to Jayson Tatum

Green wasn't the only Warriors star who was happy to see a healthy Tatum on the floor. Former Celtics big man Kristaps Porzingis reacted to how his former teammate performed.

“He looks good, honestly. His shot was falling already. Looks like he’s not rusty at all. Just looked a little heavy, that’s all. He needs to lose a couple of pounds, and he’ll be flying again,” Porzingis said.

Porzingis and Tatum have grown closer since they became teammates in 2023. The Latvian big man was welcomed back by his former team at the TD Garden on Wednesday. It was his first game in front of the Boston crowd and was given a standing ovation after the first quarter.

The Celtics also gave a video tribute for the one-time All-Star. His stint with the team was only for two seasons. However, Porzingis helped the team win the championship in 2024.

Related: Warriors' Steve Kerr Announces Update Amid Draymond Green Development

This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 19, 2026, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Sports”