Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
The Latest on Jayson Tatum's Status for Wednesday's Celtics-Kings Game
Tuesday night at Chase Center, the Boston Celtics were outscored 62-39 from when there was 4:50 left in the third quarter through the end of overtime.
After keeping Stephen Curry in check, holding him to 13 points in the first 36 minutes, the two-time MVP erupted for 20 in the final 17.
Missing a franchise record, 41 threes, didn't help either; neither did the high volume of attempts around the basket that didn't go down. The combination allowed the Golden State Warriors to make a living in transition.
That helped the hosts generate a 24-6 advantage in the paint in the fourth quarter and overtime, overcoming the fact they entered the fifth frame having not led since the 2:45 mark in the second period.
As Boston tries to wash away the bitter taste of its 132-126 defeat in a game that felt reminiscent of the 2022 NBA Finals, it won't have Jayson Tatum, who is inactive for Wednesday's matchup against the Sacramento Kings.
The four-time All-Star sprained his left ankle four minutes into Tuesday's loss when he stepped on Brandin Podziemski's foot. He returned at the start of the second quarter but didn't attack downhill much and struggled defensively.
While it wasn't a productive outing for him, the well-rounded star still finished with 15 points, eight rebounds, and a team-high seven assists, and his two steals tied Jrue Holiday and Jonathan Kuminga for the most in the contest.
After the loss, he said of his ankle, "It's just stiff. So, it's tough to -- it just makes it a little tougher to move. But I still was out there, so, you know, I feel like if you go out there and play, you can't make any excuses."
With the Celtics now on to the second half of a back-to-back, Al Horford (rest) is also unavailable. The only other player on their injury report is Luke Kornet, who remains sidelined due to a left adductor strain.
Fortunately for the visitors, they get Kristaps Porzingis back in the lineup after he missed Tuesday's loss due to left calf strain injury management.
Further Reading
Joe Mazzulla Assesses Celtics' Collapse vs. Warriors: 'Played with Great Purpose'
Shades of 2022 Finals as Celtics Can't Close vs. Warriors
Celtics Expected to be Active in the Buyout Market
Jaylen Brown Discusses Growing Leadership Role with Celtics: 'I've Embraced That'
Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'
Celtics Utilize Speed Advantage in Run Away Win vs. Magic: 'It Makes the Game Easier'
Jayson Tatum Praises Kristaps Porzingis for Allowing Celtics to Spin the Dial Defensively
An Empowered Jaylen Brown Strives to Balance Scoring with Playmaking: 'I've Grown A Lot'
Joe Mazzulla Believes Celtics' Second Unit is 'Starting to Develop an Identity'
Under Joe Mazzulla, Celtics Rebuilding Brotherhood Between Past and Present
