The Boston Celtics scored the opening in the first round series, but at one point there was a moment of silence against the Orlando Magic.
The real-life defending champion held his group breath during the 103-86 Game 1 victory on April 20th after what happened to Jason Tatum.
The Boston Celtics superstar fell violently, suffering an obvious right wrist injury during the 8:28 mark in the fourth quarter.
Tatum attacked Rim for a slam dunk, but he was severely contested by two Orlando Magic players, Kentavius Caldwell Pope and Wendell Carter Jr.
He still finishes strong and has won the admiration of Richard Jefferson. However, the injury he sustained clearly brings anxiety among Celtics fans.
Tatum managed to finish game one for the Celtics, but he was visibly in pain from a sudden wrist problem.
He tapered his right hand for the rest of the ball game, closing the night with 17 points, 14 rebounds and two assists in 40 minutes. He filmed inconsistently by moving from the field to 8/22, but his influence played a top role in the game high +23.
Immediately after the game, Tatum received immediate imaging. The X-ray results were thankfully negative.
“It’s fine,” Tatum said of his wrist in post-match availability. “It just fell on it and landed.”
He added:
Head coach Joe Matzlla seemed bothered either because of what happened to Tatum or because the star of his franchise was “doing good things” despite the injuries.
However, by acknowledging the fact that it was Tatum’s shooter who was injured, we can only monitor the possibility of the impact of wrist complications on the 26-year-old’s performance.
Anyway, the Celtics should hope that Tatum’s injuries are not a serious matter to move forward as they continue their goal of successfully defending the title.
Game 2 of the Magic-Celtics first round series will be set in Boston on April 23rd.