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Joe Mazzulla produced another humorous quote when asked about Jayson Tatum’s return timeline
"I failed medical school."
Joe Mazzulla’s candid response about Jayson Tatum: Despite reshaping the team’s roster amid a long-term Jayson Tatum injury — and a scramble to cut salary in the past offseason — the Celtics are where they normally are: right in contention.
Boston currently finds itself second in the Eastern Conference, trailing only the Pistons. It’s a somewhat remarkable development given that the Celtics have achieved this despite not having the services of Tatum.
The six-time All-Star has been out since suffering a ruptured Achiles tendon last May. The 27-year-old has continued to move through his rehab, and could return to the court before the end of the season.
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Should Tatum make his comeback in the next few months, it would elevate Boston’s ceiling as a team even farther upward.
Still, Mazzulla — a regular author of inimitable quotes — delivered another gem on Monday regarding Tatum’s status.
Asked what he thinks the expectations should be for Tatum’s potential return timeline, Mazzulla unflinchingly delivered a vintage deadpan display.
“I failed medical school,” he calmly replied, before changing subjects.
Tatum recently practiced for an hour in front of reporters, showcasing his returning athleticism. Exactly what that means in terms of his specific schedule to return for the regular season, that remains to be seen.
Trivia: Joe Mazzulla currently ranks eighth in all-time wins as Celtics head coach. Red Auerbach is (obviously) first, considering his longevity and success. Can you name the person who sits second?
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(Answer at the bottom).
Hint: He also played for the Celtics, helping Boston win eight titles (adding two more as coach).
Scores and schedules:
The Celtics lost to the Pistons 104-103 on Monday. Boston will host the Pacers on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.
Also from Monday, Indiana won the college football national championship, defeating Miami 27-21.
The Bruins face the Stars in Dallas tonight at 7:30 p.m.
On Sunday, the Patriots travel to Denver to play the Broncos in the AFC Championship game at 3 p.m.
More from Boston.com:
- Jaylen Brown scores 32, but Celtics fall to Pistons in potential ECF showdown: 7 takeaways
- Drake Maye shares what he knows about new Broncos starting QB Jarrett Stidham
- Could a retooling Bruins team be buyers this season? It’s complicated.
- Celtics’ Derrick White is picking Broncos over Patriots in AFC championship game
- Mike Vrabel on the AFC Championship game, Kayshon Boutte, and responding to Ty Law’s claims
- Jarrett Stidham hasn’t thrown a pass in an NFL game since 2023, but that doesn’t mean he’s an unknown to the Patriots
- Celtics’ Jaylen Brown earns his first NBA All-Star starter nod
- ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky trolls Patriots defense after win over Texans
- Former Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley reaches agreement with Miami Dolphins, AP source says
- Rex Ryan thinks Bill Belichick is a ‘name to watch’ for Bills’ head coaching role
“We’re back”: Patriots fans talked about the team and their expectations.
A preview of what could be coming to Fenway Park: Red Sox 2025 first-round pick Kyson Witherspoon recently visited Driveline Baseball, a player development organization, and appears to have rapidly learned a new pitch. He’s currently seen as a top-five prospect in Boston’s organization.
Nick Foles and the Patriots: The former Eagles Super Bowl-winner had a humorous message in advance of the Patriots facing backup QB Jarrett Stidham and the Broncos in the AFC Championship.
On this day: In 2019, the Patriots faced the Chiefs in the AFC Championship game. It would prove to be the final one in the Bill Belichick-Tom Brady era, and it fittingly turned out to be a classic (especially given that it was the Patrick Mahomes-Andy Reid Chiefs).
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New England outlasted Kansas City, managing to win a thriller in overtime 37-31 to advance to Super Bowl LIII.
Daily highlight: Brighton & Hove Albion forward Charalampos Kostoulas scored his first Premier League goal to secure a stoppage time draw against Bournemouth on Monday. The 18-year-old produced a memorable bicycle kick.
Trivia answer: Tommy Heinsohn
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