PHILADELPHIA — Jayson Tatum felt “sick to (his) stomach” Saturday night as he watched Donte DiVincenzo tear his Achilles in Minnesota’s Game 4 win over Denver.
Tatum does not know the Timberwolves guard well, but he plans to reach out and offer his support as DiVincenzo begins the arduous rehab process he recently completed.
“I was watching the game (Saturday), and it was tough seeing that,” the Celtics star said after Boston’s 128-96 win over the 76ers on Sunday. “I never want anybody to go through that injury and just what’s to come in the rehab process. I only know him from competing against him and things like that, but I know for a fact I’m going to reach out to him at some point. It just happened yesterday, and there’s a lot going on for him.”
DiVincenzo, who regularly faced Boston during his years with Milwaukee and New York, started every game for the Timberwolves this season. Shortly after his injury was diagnosed, he flew from Minnesota to New York to have his Achilles surgically repaired by Dr. Martin O’Malley — the same surgeon who operated on Tatum last May. Both players underwent surgery the day after their respective injuries.
Tatum and Celtics officials have said that quick turnaround accelerated his return to the court. Tatum also knows the value of peer support after leaning on players like Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard and Dejounte Murray — all of whom suffered Achilles tears last season — during his recovery.
“I’m glad he got his surgery (Sunday),” Tatum said. “My thoughts and prayers have been with him. Hopefully, it went successful. I have no doubt about that. You never want to see anybody injured, especially that one. I was definitely, like, sick to my stomach (Saturday) seeing them go down, because I know exactly how he’s feeling. I know exactly what he has to go through, but now I’m going to be a resource, reach out to him. He has me in his corner, whether he’s going to like it or not. I’ll definitely reach out to him soon.”
Tatum, who is one year younger than DiVincenzo, missed nearly 10 months before returning on March 6. He immediately became an impact player for Boston, averaging 21.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.4 steals over 16 regular-season appearances. By season’s end, he was playing nearly 40 minutes per game.
The 28-year-old delivered one of his most productive games since his return Sunday night, overcoming a 1-for-8 first half to finish with 30 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds in Game 4 against Philadelphia. The Celtics are 16-4 with Tatum in the lineup and can clinch a spot in the Eastern Conference semifinals with a home win Tuesday night in Game 5.
The Timberwolves, who also lost franchise centerpiece Anthony Edwards to a hyperextended knee in Saturday’s win, hold a 3-1 series lead over the Nuggets.