boston celtics Are back in the playoffs thanks to another 50-win season.
Not too bad for a “hiatus” year, according to jaylen brown.
Celtics star mocks those who doubted 2025-26 team jayson tatumAchilles injury heals, posting thoughts on social media after Boston reaches playoff run 114-99 victory over charlotte hornets On Sunday night.
“50 wins in a gap year ☘️,” Brown wrote.
50 wins in a gap year ☘️
– Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) 30 March 2026
Brown did not play in Sunday’s game, being ruled out for the second consecutive contest due to left Achilles tendinitis. But that hasn’t slowed down a Celtics team that has won three straight games (including one vs. league-best). thunder), seven of their last eight overall and reached the 50-win mark for the fifth straight season.
Many were skeptical that this could be accomplished at the start of the season, with Tatum recovering from a torn Achilles suffered in the playoffs the previous May, along with other stars. junior holiday And kristaps porzingis Traded in the offseason.
But with Brown leading the way amid an MVP-like season, Boston has arguably been the biggest surprise in the league and is a legitimate title contender with Tatum healthy.
The win against the Hornets officially propelled the Celtics into the playoffs for the 12th consecutive season, extending the longest current streak in the NBA. And Tatum was largely to thank, as he scored 32 points, his highest output in 11 games since returning earlier this month.
He made turnaround jumpers with one foot, beat opponents to the basket on drives, made hot two-handed dunks and set up teammates with open looks after drawing double-teams, all while playing with composure and composure.
“I didn’t feel like my speed was increased,” Tatum told reporters in Charlotte. “I was still tired, so it’s something I’m still working on. But I like that I’m being decisive in my movements and exploding when I need to.” [and] I am reacting. Obviously, that helps when you make shots. I can say I feel better than last game. “Hopefully in the next game I’ll feel better than today.”
Tatum became the youngest player in Celtics history to reach 14,000 points.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to be on some very good teams, surrounded by some very good players and coaches on staff who have empowered me and helped me become the player I am today,” he said.
But he is happy to be playing basketball at a high level again after a difficult rehabilitation process. The Celtics are happy, too. Since he returned to the floor, they are 9-2.
“I have to do my job [tail] Just to run up and down the floor,” Tatum said.
Information from ESPN Research and The Associated Press was used in this report.
