Jayson Tatum didn’t skip a beat since suffering an Achilles tear during the playoffs. He achieved a superhuman feat, making it back on the court in just 298 days. Since that point, Tatum has instantly become a winning contributor for the Celtics. However, adjustment takes time. His last two games for the Shamrocks have tested Tatum’s resolve.

Against the Timberwolves, the six-time NBA All-Star shot just 6-16 from the floor. Tatum added 16 points and 11 rebounds in their 102-92 loss. Now that he’s back in the competitive mix of things, every miss burns Jayson Tatum. At the same time, Tatum understands that such nights are going to be part of the process.

“I mean, it’s tough in the moment, but I try not to think about it. You just want to be Jayson Tatum and feel like yourself again. I’m not Superman, so it’s obviously going to take some time. I think the next day, I could give myself a little more grace over certain things, but in the moment, it’s frustrating,” Jayson Tatum said after the loss.

Internally, Jayson Tatum and the Celtics know what they got with his return. He’s a franchise cornerstone expected to lead the front lines, particularly in such matchups where the team needs a trump card. But Tatum can’t barrage himself with expectations without having played even ten games this season. He’s not only part of a new group, but is still setting his feet in hopes of preparing for the playoffs.

It’s rather impressive that Jayson Tatum managed to score 20 or more in four consecutive games before that streak ended against the Grizzlies. Giving himself grace is necessary. It’s naturally going to take time for Tatum to return to his best after suffering such a major injury. His patience will be tested at times. Tatum can’t fully do the things he’s used to doing on the court yet.

The Celtics offense struggles against the Timberwolves

This was the first time since 2005 that the Minnesota Timberwolves claimed a win at the TD Garden. And they did so without their best player, Anthony Edwards. The Wolves’ physicality and timely shot-making laid the foundation for their monumental victory. That being said, the Celtics couldn’t execute their sets.

“We messed up the timing of our offense, I thought. We got our advantage late in the shot clock, where we were able to get a good shot. We just missed layups and missed some shots as well,” Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla said about the loss.

The Celtics only managed 17 assists on the night. No player racked up more than four assists. It caused a jamlog, forcing the Shamrocks to operate outside their comfort zone. The Celtics only made nine triples, their least since February 8. Those marginal shortcomings dictate the results in a low-scoring affair.

The Timberwolves found a successful outlet through Bones Hyland. The former Nuggets guard tallied 23 points while shooting 57.1% from the field. Hyland recorded a +26 points differential in his 29 minutes, leading the Wolves to another impressive win in the absence of their franchise cornerstone.

There’s no reason for the Celtics to hold this loss for long. The team was on a four-game winning streak before tonight’s game. Even great teams falter at times. Jayson Tatum may take some time to fully find his rhythm this season. However, his return has undoubtedly catapulted the Shamrocks into championship contention.