Jayson Tatum Discusses Hard Fall on His Injured Left Wrist

Jayson Tatum shared his reaction to his hard fall during the Celtics' win over the Pacers, and how he's doing now.

Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

With 2:48 left in the first frame of the Celtics' 142-138 overtime win over the Pacers Thursday night, after a Tyrese Haliburton turnover, Malcolm Brogdon scooped up the loose change and got the ball ahead to Jayson Tatum.

As the four-time All-Star stepped into the paint, Aaron Nesmith set up for a charge that sent Tatum crashing to the floor after his layup attempt. Instinctively, he braced his fall with his hands, with his left one reaching the hardwood first, bearing more of the brunt.

Tatum quickly popped up, saying post-game he did so out of concern. But he stayed in to finish his shift which lasted the entire first quarter. However, he also checked on his hand multiple times throughout the rest of the period.

Tatum, who probably plays with more tape on his left hand and wrist than anyone else in the NBA, dealt with "somewhat of a fracture for two months" during Boston's run to the NBA Finals last year. He then hurt it again on opening night against the Sixers.

Not to say a hard fall on his non-shooting hand is the root of a poor night from the field, but Tatum went 9/25 in Thursday's victory, including 3/12 from behind the arc.

With shots missing the mark, he continued attacking the rim, producing 12 points in the paint and leading all participants with 11 free throws, manufacturing ten points at the foul line.

And in a testament to Tatum's increasing ability to make more of an impact on the game in other ways beyond scoring, he registered a game-high 12 rebounds, a team-best seven assists, and his two steals matched Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon for the most on the Celtics. He also had a block.

After the game, Tatum shared his reaction to his hard fall in the opening quarter and how he's doing now.

"That was scary; they always teach you not to put your hand out, but it was so quick. You guys probably saw I jumped up so quick because I was, like, I was scared. And I was, just, moving my hand, because that's the one that's been bothering me for a year now and falling right on it, I was really, just, really just like trying to see if I could open and close (it), if I had strength, and it was painful for 5-10 minutes, but got it looked at, and I mean, it's sore, but I'll be alright."

Tatum also said he has nothing on the afflicted area.

"Just iced it and wrap it on the flight and get some rest."

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