Not only did the Celtics lose in Game 2 to the Nets, they also lost their best player for most of the second half. Jayson Tatum was poked in the eye early in the third quarter, and although he returned to the bench after a brief trip back to the locker room did not return to the game.
Asked about Tatum’s condition after the game, head coach Brad Stevens said Tatum had trouble adjusting to the light when he returned to the bench. Stevens added he “got scratched pretty good” and that Tatum’s eye “looked pretty red, looked pretty swollen.” “Obviously he’s uncomfortable right now,” Stevens concluded.
For what it’s worth, Marcus Smart had a more positive prognosis when it was his turn to speak to the media. “It was serious, but I don’t think it’s as serious as people thought,” he said. “[Tatum was in good spirits after the game and should play in Game 3.”
The good news for Tatum and the Celtics is he’ll have an extra day for the swelling to go down and get his comfort level back. There’s two days off before Game 3, which will be Friday night at TD Garden.
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.