Tatum Returns to MSG with 24 Points in Celtics Loss

Jayson Tatum returned to Madison Square Garden on Thursday night for the first time since suffering a torn Achilles tendon there in the playoffs last May, delivering a strong performance in the Boston Celtics' 112-106 loss to the New York Knicks.

The All-Star forward, who underwent surgery the day after the injury in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, played all 40 minutes and recorded 24 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists. His effort fell just short of a triple-double, his second since rejoining the lineup on March 6 after a nine-month recovery. The Knicks, who won that series to end Boston's reign as champions, improved to 52-28 with the victory, while the Celtics finished the night at 54-26, securing the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Tatum had expressed apprehension about the matchup earlier in the week, calling it a return to a traumatic site. "I was nervous and anxious to come back here," he said afterward. Despite the loss, he emphasized the personal significance. "It was a big moment, a big hurdle for me," Tatum told reporters. "I just kind of wanted to walk off the floor on my own two feet." He noted the game passed quickly compared to his lingering...