Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum went down with a painful ankle injury during Monday's game against the Sacramento Kings. Tatum was taking a contested 3-point shot from the wing when Kings center Domantas Sabonis' feet got tangled up underneath Tatum's. While it was not a deliberate act by Sabonis, his carelessness caused Tatum to roll over on his left ankle. Sabonis was charged with a flagrant one-foul.
Jayson Tatum was helped to the locker room after landing on Domantas Sabonis’ foot.
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 25, 2025
Sabonis also received a flagrant 1.
Hope JT is okay 🙏 pic.twitter.com/y1n2HlyiwT
The Celtics forward had a good night as he finished with 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists in the Celtics 113-95 victory. Tatum had to be helped onto his feet to get to the bench but then come back onto the court without help, albeit warily, to shoot two free throws due to the flagrant foul. Before doing so, Tatum and Sabonis bumped fists to ensure all was good between the two. Tatum made one of two to put Boston up 79-68 late in the third quarter.
Although the injury appeared severe at first, Tatum was able to go to the locker room under his own power. An ESPN article has provided insight into the injury, which apparently isn't too bad.
Tatum Suffered a Sprained Ankle, Could Be Back Soon
According to ESPN, "Joe Mazzulla is optimistic that star forward Jayson Tatum won't be out long."
Jayson Tatum seems to have escaped serious injury after turning his left ankle landing on Sabonis’ foot while shooting a 3 Monday night, telling ESPN he’s just “sore” but he still needs to be “cautious.” Tatum has previously injured the same ankle. https://t.co/QLVyKv7k0b
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) March 25, 2025
This is excellent news for the Celtics as the team is coming down the final stretch of the NBA regular season. They currently trail the Cleveland Cavaliers by 4.5 games for the Eastern Conference No. 1 seed with ten games remaining. The article states, "Tatum told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne his ankle is 'just sore' but that the team is 'going to be cautious."
"I literally just asked him how he was doing, and he said, 'OK,' (and that) 'He'll do anything and everything to make sure he gets better."Joe Mazzulla on Tatum's injury
The Celtics seem to have avoided what could have been a catastrophic injury to one of the team's most impactful players. The Celtics continue their road trip as they face the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night and then the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday night. Having already clinched a playoff spot, the Celtics are hopeful to claim this year's number-one seed and home advantage throughout the playoffs.