Tatum 'very close' to full COVID-19 recovery, uses inhaler before games
Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum said he's nearly back to 100% following a three-month recovery from COVID-19.
Tatum recorded 32 points, nine boards, and five assists in Tuesday's 116-115 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, and the two-time All-Star said postgame that he's "very close" to being back to full health.
"It's a process. It takes a long time. I take an inhaler before the game since I've tested positive," Tatum said, per ESPN's Tim Bontemps. "This has kind of helped with that and opened up my lungs, and, you know, I never took an inhaler before. So that's something different.
"I for sure feel better now than I did a month ago."
Tatum added there's "no exact timetable" for how long he'll use the inhaler.
"(It's) just when I feel comfortable enough, and I think I don't need it," he said.
The inhaler appears to be helping, with the Celtics winning six of their last seven games. Tatum's averaged 29.4 points during that stretch, including a career-best 53-point display against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.
"I don't think our record shows what kind of team that we are," Tatum said. "I think even though it's been a weird year, obviously we've dealt with some, excuse me, a bunch of things, obviously. Stuff, a lot of guys tested positive, certain guys have been injured.
"I just like the way that we're playing. Every game is important right now, and we know it's kind of coming down to the stretch."
The 29-26 Celtics are in Los Angeles to face the Lakers on Thursday and look to cap a three-game Western road swing with a third victory.