Celtics Star Jayson Tatum Addresses Poor Performance vs. Pistons: 'I Just Have to Play Better' originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Jayson Tatum is ready to compete in his first full season for the Celtics since 2024–25. It’s only game one, but he’s ready to adjust after a tough outing against the Pistons.
The Celtics lost the first game of the 2026-27 season against Detroit, 121-113. Tatum scored 13 points in 38 minutes, going 6-23 FG with 11 assists.
For comparison's sake, Tatum scored 37 points in the first game of the 2024-25 season against the Knicks. He was asked and was honest about how his shot looked, especially with the Pistons all over him.
"It felt good," Tatum said via CLNS Media. "Definitely not one of my best nights... I just have to play better. You know, part of my role is scoring.
"I felt really good about a lot of the looks. But, watching film, probably slowing down some of those moments could be better. It’s more about just making the play, maybe for myself, but for my teammates."
Tatum missed the majority of last year due to a ruptured Achilles. He played in 16 of Boston's final 19 games of the regular season. He averaged 21.8 points, 10.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.
Against the Pistons, Paul George led the team with 38 points in 31 minutes. He replaced Jaylen Brown, who was traded to the 76ers for George.
Tatum aims to rebound quickly, as the Celtics host the Knicks on Friday night.