Jayson Tatum’s much-anticipated return to the Boston Celtics after a nearly 10-month absence electrified fans. He made his season debut on March 6 against the Dallas Mavericks and has since played in six matches, helping the Celtics win five of them.
Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porziņģis Are Bonded for Life
Currently averaging 20.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists while shooting 41.7% from the field, Tatum is showcasing his champion pedigree. However, last night’s clash against the Golden State Warriors brought more than just a 120-99 win for Boston.
Tatum competed against his former championship teammate, Kristaps Porziņģis, who took the floor in a Warriors jersey, and the emotions were high. Tatum and Porziņģis were foundational to the Boston Celtics’ NBA championship run in 2023-24.
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Porziņģis arrived in Boston from the Washington Wizards in June 2023, contributed to the Celtics’ 18th championship, and was then traded to the Atlanta Hawks as part of a three-team deal in July 2025.
Later, on February 4, 2026, Porziņģis was traded from the Hawks to the Warriors, along with Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield, heading to Atlanta. Despite the different teams, Tatum feels Porziņģis will forever remain a Celtic and that the bond they share will last a lifetime.
“It was cool, man. I miss the big fella. Happy to see him healthy, happy to see him out there playing,” said Jayson Tatum during the post-game conference about his reunion with Porziņģis. “It was cool to see the reception that he got tonight and his tribute video… He’ll forever be a Celtic and remembered for those two years, and obviously being a big piece of why we won a championship. Every guy that was on that championship team, we’re bonded for life, so it’s always good to see KP.”
Jayson Tatum on playing against Kristaps Porzingis:
“It was cool, man. I miss the big fella. Happy to see him healthy, happy to see him out there playing. It was cool to see the reception that he got tonight and his tribute video… He’ll forever be a Celtic and remembered for… pic.twitter.com/A5wxJ7S9Be
— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) March 19, 2026
In the Warriors vs. Celtics game, Tatum tallied 24 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists, while Porziņģis contributed 11 points, five rebounds, zero assists, zero steals, and two blocks. Tatum’s timely return to the hardwood, with only 14 games left until the playoffs, comes as the Celtics (46-23) are second in the East behind the Detroit Pistons (49-19).
With star guard Cade Cunningham listed as out due to a collapsed lung, Boston has a real chance to finish atop the East. The decision to trade Porziņģis was a calculated risk for the Celtics’ front office, aimed at balancing the salary cap while navigating the strict luxury tax rules.
Through the Porziņģis trade, the Celtics shed $200 million or more on the luxury tax bill and saved $22.5 million in salary from Porziņģis’ $30 million expiring contract. The Warriors were also seeking a veteran presence on the hardwood to maximize the remaining years of the Stephen Curry era and moved aggressively to acquire the big man. To the Warriors’ front office, Porziņģis seemed like a great fit for the role.
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Since joining the Warriors, he has been averaging 16.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.7 assists while shooting 45.4% from the field. The rosters may have changed, but respect and brotherhood endure.
Tatum’s heartfelt “Celtic for life” sentiment shows that in the ever-shifting world of the NBA, the memories and camaraderie forged in a championship run remain etched in the heart forever.
