Kevin Durant Shares Insights on Jayson Tatum's Achilles Recovery
Kevin Durant revealed in an exclusive interview with CLNS Media that Joe Mazzulla and Jayson Tatum's mother sought his advice after Tatum suffered an Achilles tear.
Durant Reflects on His Own Achilles Injury
After scoring 26 points on 8-for-11 shooting in a game at TD Garden against the Celtics, Durant, who had just turned 37, paused to consider how his 2019 Achilles injury changed his style of play. He demonstrated by leaping aside and pulling up for a shot, then said:
“It was small, subtle changes, subtle tweaks. But I felt like my bread-and-butter was my short to mid-range. I felt like I can still shoot the threes, the side-steps, the step-backs, that was cool, but I just felt like I had to be way more efficient and get closer to the rim.”
Durant’s Role as an Achilles Mentor
Durant has since become a go-to figure for players suffering the same injury, noted for his remarkable recovery. After missing 15 months, he averaged 26.9 points per game and earned an All-Star selection within his first 35 games back.
Continuing into his sixth season post-injury, Durant averaged 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 comparable or superior to his previous 12 seasons.
Summary
Kevin Durant emphasizes subtle adjustments after his Achilles injury, becoming a mentor for others and maintaining elite performance even years later.