The Athletic NBA Daily Inside Jayson Tatum’s impending return to the Celtics
Mar 3, 2026
Jay King, NBA reporter and Celtics beat writer for The Athletic, gives insider perspective on Jayson Tatum’s imminent return and Joe Mazzulla’s coaching. Conversation covers Tatum’s rehab timeline, mental hurdles and likely rust. They discuss how Mazzulla will reintegrate Tatum, manage minutes for rising wings, and how Boston’s identity of rebounding and low turnovers shapes playoff outlook.
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Controversial Calls Saved Nuggets Against Jazz
- The Nuggets nearly lost to the Jazz and benefited from questionable officiating protecting Nikola Jokić from calls.
- Hosts criticized Jokić's exaggerated reactions and described the end-game officiating as gift-wrapping the win for Denver.
Garland's Debut Showed Rust But No Setback
- Darius Garland looked rusty in his Clippers debut with timing issues and turnovers but playing 22 minutes without toe complications is a positive sign.
- Hosts pointed to five turnovers and off-timed passes as evidence he needs reps to gel with new teammates.
King Watched Celtics Dominate Bucks From Home
- Jay King watched the Celtics rout the Bucks from his couch and noted there were no direct flights from Boston to Milwaukee.
- He described the win as dominant despite Giannis returning, calling the Bucks 'minus 16' with Giannis on court.