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Brad Stevens gives an update on Jayson Tatum’s eye injury

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.

May 25, 2021; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Boston Celtics small forward Jayson Tatum (0) is helped off the court after sustaining an injury while fighting for the ball against Brooklyn Nets power forward Kevin Durant (not pictured) during the third quarter of game two of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Barclays Center.

Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

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.

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.

Alex Barth is a digital content producer and on-air host for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Barth grew up in the Boston area and began covering the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Boston Red Sox in 2017 before joining the Hub in 2020. He now covers all things Boston Sports for 985TheSportsHub.com as well as appearing on air. Alex writes about all New England sports, as well as college football. You can follow him across all social media platforms at @RealAlexBarth.