Kevin Durant Shares Insights on Jayson Tatum's Achilles Recovery
Joe Mazzulla and Jayson Tatum's mother reached out to Kevin Durant for advice after Tatum tore his Achilles tendon, Durant revealed in an exclusive interview with CLNS Media.
After a game at TD Garden where Durant scored 26 points on 8-for-11 shooting against the Celtics, he reflected on how his own 2019 Achilles rupture changed his style of play. Turning 37 just a month prior, Durant gestured as he described the adjustments, mimicking a jump shot to emphasize his 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 reluctantly accepted the role of being the go-to figure for others suffering the same injury, known for its brutal impact and difficult recovery. His comeback is considered one of the most successful in basketball history.
- Missed 15 months following the injury
- Averaged 26.9 points per game in his first 35 games back
- Made the All-Star team immediately after returning
- Currently, in his sixth season post-injury, averages 27.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game
- Shooting efficiency: 53.1% from the field and 41.4% from three-point range
These numbers match or even surpass his performance in the previous twelve seasons, underscoring his remarkable resilience and adaptation.
Author's summary: Kevin Durant reflects on his recovery from an Achilles injury and shares advice with Jayson Tatum's circle, highlighting subtle changes that led to his successful return and sustained elite performance.