Kevin Durant Shares Behind-the-Scenes Insight on Jayson Tatum Recovery
Joe Mazzulla and Jayson Tatum's mother reached out to Kevin Durant for guidance after Tatum suffered an Achilles tear, Durant revealed in an exclusive interview with CLNS Media.
In Boston, as Durant was leaving TD Garden after scoring 26 points on 8-for-11 shooting, he reflected on how his own Achilles injury in 2019 transformed his game. Recently turned 37, he took a moment to recall the adjustments he had made since that turning point.
“It was small, subtle changes, subtle tweaks,” he told CLNS Media. “But I felt like my bread-and-butter was my short to mid-range. I felt like I can still shoot the threes, the side-steps, the step-backs, that was cool, but I just felt like I had to be way more efficient and get closer to the rim.”
Durant acknowledged that he had become known as the “Achilles guy” — the player others contact when they experience the same painful, sudden injury. Despite the severity of the rupture, his recovery is regarded as one of the most successful in NBA history.
After missing 15 months, Durant returned to average 26.9 points per game and earned an All-Star selection within his first 35 games back. Now in his sixth season post-injury, he continues to excel with averages of 27.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists, hitting 53.1% from the field and 41.4% from beyond the arc — numbers that rival or even surpass his performance across 12 previous seasons.
Author’s Summary
Durant reflected on the lessons of his Achilles recovery, offering insight and reassurance to Jayson Tatum as he faces a similar challenge in his career.