Star Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum has exceeded expectations since returning from the Achilles tendon injury he sustained in the 2025 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals, but the St. Louis native still has off nights. And Tatum certainly had one of them in the Celtics’ 102-92 home loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday (March 22) night, the Duke alum going just 6-of-16 from the floor overall on a night he put up 16 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, and as many steals.

Asked if his injury was responsible for his inefficient shooting, Tatum said “I wouldn’t say (it’s) a normal slump because that’s the first time I went through something like this — it’s just been a long time. It was a long time before I could shoot a basketball or walk, so, I’m trying to knock the rust off, game by game.”

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“I find great spurts and moments, from game to game, trying to put more and more together,” added the Celtics forward.

BOSTON, MA - MARCH 22: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics tries to get untangled from Jaden McDaniels #3 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at TD Garden on March 22, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

BOSTON, MA – MARCH 22: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics tries to get untangled from Jaden McDaniels #3 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at TD Garden on March 22, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

As to what went wrong for Boston, Tatum said that “they picked up the pressure, physicality, forcing turnovers, especially in that second quarter — we’ve got to take care of the ball.”

Still, patience is in order for the Boston forward, even if early play has been injecting a higher level of expectations for Tatum. “I’m still just trying to figure it out. It’s been a long time. It’s only my like ninth game back, so I’m just trying to get a feel for it.”

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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Should we worry about Jayson Tatum being in a slump?