Kevin Durant Shares Behind-the-Scenes Insight on Jayson Tatum Recovery
Joe Mazzulla and Jayson Tatum's mother reached out to Kevin Durant for advice after Tatum tore his Achilles, Durant revealed in an exclusive interview with CLNS Media.
BOSTON — Just after scoring 26 points on 8-of-11 shooting in a win at TD Garden, Kevin Durant paused beside the team bus. Now 37, he reflected on how his own 2019 Achilles rupture had transformed his playing style.
“It was small, subtle changes, subtle tweaks,” Durant told CLNS Media. “I felt like my bread-and-butter was my short to mid-range. I can still hit threes, side-steps, and step-backs, but I knew I had to be more efficient and get closer to the rim.”
Durant, often seen as the go-to player for advice on Achilles recovery, understands the pain and shock of the injury — the sudden feeling of being kicked in the calf followed by the collapse to the floor. His comeback remains a remarkable case, as few players have ever returned as strongly.
After missing 15 months, he averaged 26.9 points per game and earned an All-Star selection in his first 35 games back. Now deep into his sixth post-injury season, Durant continues to perform at an elite level, posting 27.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game, while shooting 53.1% from the field and 41.4% from three-point range — numbers equal to or better than his 12 previous seasons.
Author’s Summary
Durant reflected on his Achilles recovery, helping Jayson Tatum through a similar journey and proving resilience with elite post-injury performance.