Jayson Tatum opens up about impending hurdle he faces in his journey back

Thursday, Jayson Tatum returns to Madison Square Garden for the first time since tearing his Achilles at "The World's Most Famous Arena." It could prove a significant step in his healing process. That doesn't mean he's looking forward to it.

"No, not really," said Tatum when asked that question directly after the Boston Celtics' 113-102 victory vs. the Charlotte Hornets. "I thought about it. I'm not like, thrilled to go back and play there. [The] last time I played there, obviously, it was a traumatic experience for me. Obviously, I knew at some point I would have to get over that hurdle and play there again. So, it's gonna have to be this Thursday. But it's not like I'm thrilled about it, but it's part of it. I decided to come back and play. So, not necessarily like skipping certain games. I can't play back-to-backs right now, but I decided to come back and play. So, just another game on the schedule."

There's also a chance that the Celtics will again see the New York Knicks in the second round of the playoffs. At the moment, the former is on the verge of clinching the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Their geographical rival is one spot below them in the standings.

So, in the event these two storied franchises are headed for a playoff rematch, maybe it's beneficial for Tatum to return there now. The feelings that future trips to Madison Square Garden evoke for him might never go away. However, confronting those emotions, the memories of a traumatic night, and the road to recovery it put him on could be even more valuable on Thursday if that's the case.

"I was gonna have to play there at some point. So, might as well get it out [of] the way now," said Tatum when asked if he thought playing in that venue on Thursday could be helpful, given the possibility that Boston may run into New York in the postseason.

Jayson Tatum isn't going through this alone

During Tatum's road to recovery and since he made his season debut on Mar. 6, the six-time All-Star has repeatedly praised those with him on his journey back to doing what he loves most.

From Celtics' physical therapist and athletic trainer Nick Sang to assistant coach Tony Dobbins, his family, and an organization that was with him throughout his rehab, those in his corner supporting him will be by his side on Thursday night at Madison Square Garden.

As Jaylen Brown voiced after Boston's win over Charlotte, if Tatum needs a shoulder to lean on, his teammates are there to provide it. His answer came when asked about the other half of the Celtics' star tandem dealing with the mental side of his first game back at Madison Square Garden since tearing his Achilles.

"It seems like JT's in a good spot. He's playing good basketball," said Brown. "I think he's trending in the right direction. I don't know, mentally, it possibly could be something, but that's what your teammates are there for. We got his back."