Kevin Durant Shares Behind-the-Scenes Insight on Jayson Tatum's Recovery
BOSTON — Kevin Durant paused for a moment as he approached his team bus outside TD Garden. After scoring 26 points on 8-for-11 shooting and celebrating his 37th birthday a month earlier, he reflected on how his 2019 Achilles rupture had permanently influenced his style of play.
Durant told CLNS Media that when Jayson Tatum suffered a similar injury, both Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla and Tatum’s mother reached out for support and advice. Having endured the same setback, Durant has become an informal mentor for players facing the long recovery process.
“It was small, subtle changes, subtle tweaks,” Durant explained. “My bread-and-butter became the short to mid-range shots. I can still hit the threes, the side-steps, the step-backs — that’s fine — but I knew I had to be more efficient and get closer to the rim.”
Durant has reluctantly embraced his reputation as “the Achilles guy,” the player others turn to after experiencing the sudden pain and collapse he once felt. Despite missing 15 months, he returned to average 26.9 points per game and earn an All-Star selection in his first 35 games back.
Now in his sixth season since that injury, Durant continues to play at an elite level — averaging 27.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game while shooting 53.1% from the field and 41.4% from three-point range — comparable, if not superior, to the twelve seasons before his injury.
Author’s Summary
Kevin Durant reflected on his Achilles recovery and shared thoughtful advice that helped Jayson Tatum and his family navigate the same challenge.