Celtics Greeted By Special Guest Before Game 6 In New York

Jayson Tatum texted Celtics teammates words of encouragement before Wednesday’s Game 5, and his inspiration helped Boston keep its season alive at TD Garden.

The six-time All-Star might have followed suit for Game 6 at Madison Square Garden. But this time around, Tatum apparently hyped up the reigning NBA champions in person.

Tatum, who ruptured his Achilles in New York on Monday night, has stuck around in the Big Apple after undergoing surgery to repair the injury Tuesday. That allowed the 27-year-old to greet Celtics players and coaches upon arriving to their hotel Thursday, per NBC Sports Boston’s Chris Forsberg.

While it’s probably killing Tatum that he can’t compete in these playoffs with Boston anymore, the franchise cornerstone appears to be in as good spirits as someone in his situation can be. Tatum seems particularly eager to attack his rehab, which according to his father, might not take as long as some would expect.

But in the meantime, Tatum will continue supporting the Celtics as they try to defy the odds without their best player on the floor.