Joe Mazzulla Explains Reasoning Behind Jayson Tatum Being Ruled Out for Game 7

In one of the more shocking developments of the postseason, the Boston Celtics announced just hours before Game 7 against the Philadelphia 76ers that star forward Jayson Tatum would be ruled out due to knee stiffness.

Tatum had exited Game 6 in the third quarter after showing visible discomfort in his leg and calf area. He briefly returned to the bench in the fourth quarter and was considered available to return, but ultimately did not re-enter as Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla opted to sit the starters for most of the final period with the game already out of reach.

Following that performance, both Mazzulla and Tatum downplayed any concern about a potential injury, and all indications initially suggested he would be available for Game 7.

However, shortly after Tatum was officially ruled out, Mazzulla addressed the media and explained that the forward arrived at the arena with stiffness in the back of his knee. After consulting with the medical staff, the decision was made to hold him out as a precaution, especially given his recent injury history.

"Today he came in and he had stiffness in [his knee], and we kind of made a decision for him," Mazzulla said. "We thought that was in his best interest."

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Now, most of the burden will fall back on Jaylen Brown like it has for much of the season, but Boston will also need contributions from its supporting cast, particularly Derrick White, who has struggled offensively throughout the series.

Head coach Joe Mazzulla expressed confidence in the group's ability to adjust, pointing to how the team has developed different identities over the course of the season in order to win without Jayson Tatum.

"Throughout the year, we’ve developed different identities,” Mazzulla said. “So we have an opportunity to be able to go to a couple of those, and we have an ability to go after something together."

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This story was originally published May 2, 2026 at 4:08 PM.