Eighteen months after a torn Achilles sidelined him for most of last season, Jayson Tatum declared he is "really starting to feel like my old self" following a thrilling 125-124 overtime victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Tuesday. Tatum showcased his skills by scoring 40 points, along with eight assists and five rebounds, all while shooting 10-of-20 from the field and setting a career-high with 18 free throws—without a single turnover.

With just 2.3 seconds left in overtime, Tatum received the inbound pass from Derrick White. He executed a quick spin, took two dribbles, and launched a jumper from the free-throw line that sent TD Garden into a frenzy. This marked Tatum's seventh game-winning shot with three or fewer seconds remaining in the 2020s, the most by any player this decade.

After the game, Tatum reflected on his progress, stating, "It's little moments throughout the game where I do something... and I'm really starting to feel like my old self."

Teammate Paul George praised Tatum's performance, emphasizing, "We got the ball to the MVP, and he took us home." This was Tatum's 30th career 40-point game, tying him for the second-most in Celtics history behind Larry Bird.

Despite a rocky start to the season, including a poor outing against the Detroit Pistons, Tatum has rebounded strongly. He averaged 33 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists over the last three games, contributing to three consecutive Celtics victories. George noted Tatum's maturity and ability to make the right plays, showcasing his evolving understanding of the game.

As Tatum continues to regain his form, he is not only scoring efficiently but also facilitating plays, demonstrating a newfound maturity that bodes well for the Celtics as they navigate the season.