Jayson Tatum made an emotional return to Madison Square Garden less than a year after suffering a torn Achilles at the same venue, finishing the night on his feet even as the Boston Celtics fell 112-106 to the New York Knicks. While the result went New York’s way, much of the focus was on Tatum’s successful return to the court.

The Celtics star looked like his usual self in flashes, finishing with 24 points, 13 rebounds, and eight assists in 40 minutes. His injury had occurred during Game 4 of last season’s Eastern Conference semifinals against the Knicks, a non-contact setback that halted a 42-point performance and ultimately ended Boston’s playoff run.

Nearly a year later, Tatum’s return to the same arena carried extra weight, especially with both teams again eyeing deep postseason runs and a possible future rematch.