Kevin Durant Shares Behind-the-Scenes Insight on Jayson Tatum Recovery

Joe Mazzulla and Jayson Tatum’s mother contacted Kevin Durant for advice after Tatum tore his Achilles, Durant revealed in an exclusive interview with CLNS Media.

After a dominant performance at TD Garden, where he scored 26 points on 8-of-11 shooting, freshly turned 37-year-old Durant reflected on how his own Achilles injury in 2019 reshaped his playing style. As he described it, he mimicked shooting motions, illustrating how small but meaningful adjustments helped him evolve.

“It was small, subtle changes, subtle tweaks,” he told CLNS Media. “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 has become the go-to figure for players recovering from similar injuries, often asked about the daunting experience of feeling as if someone had kicked your calf before collapsing to the floor. His recovery remains one of the most successful in basketball history.

After missing 15 months, Durant returned to average 26.9 points per game and earned an All-Star selection within his first 35 games. Now in his sixth season since returning, he continues to perform at an elite level, averaging 27.8 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists while shooting 53.1% from the field and 41.4% from beyond the arc — numbers equal or even superior to his pre-injury seasons.

Author’s Summary

Durant reflects on his Achilles injury journey, sharing thoughtful insight and advice that guided Jayson Tatum’s recovery, showing both resilience and lasting excellence on the court.

CLNS Media — 2025-11-02

Kevin Durant Shares Behind-the-Scenes Insight on Jayson Tatum Recovery

Author’s Summary

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