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Jayson Tatum Explains Why He Continues Traveling With The Celtics Despite Being Sidelined

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Friday, October 31st 2025 at 7:56 GMT by Total Pro Sports
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Jayson Tatum Clarifies Traveling Call Amidst Celtics’ Mid‑Season Resurgence

The Boston Celtics have faced a series of tight contests in the second half of the 2023‑24 NBA season, and a moment that drew headlines recently involved the team’s star forward, Jayson Tatum. In a press conference that followed the Celtics’ 122‑117 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, Tatum took the microphone to explain a controversial traveling call that had sparked debate among fans, analysts and the players themselves.

The Incident and the Call

During the fourth quarter of the Lakers game, Tatum was in the middle of an offensive run that had already produced two quick baskets for Boston. As he stepped back to take a mid‑range jumper, a defensive pressure from LeBron James forced him to pivot. In the instant camera footage captured by the league’s official review team, Tatum’s left foot appeared to lift from the floor before the ball left his hands. The referee on the floor, following standard NBA rulebook guidelines, raised the traveling flag and called the play out of bounds.

The call, though brief, was widely replayed on social media and sports forums. Critics argued that the camera angle indicated that Tatum’s foot had touched the floor twice in the same direction, whereas defenders claimed it was an exaggerated movement. Tatum’s reaction was immediate: he didn’t flinch or argue with the official; instead, he kept calm, accepted the decision and continued to focus on his teammates.

Tatum’s Explanation

When asked to elaborate on the traveling incident during a post‑game press conference, Tatum said, “I just had a foot movement that I didn’t intend to. I’m a lot of times stepping in the same direction, but I try to keep my feet inside the paint. I’m happy with the outcome, and we won the game. That’s what matters.” He emphasized that the play was a “moment of mis‑coordination” rather than a deliberate violation. Tatum also clarified that he had been listed as “healthy‑available” after an earlier hamstring strain and had not been sidelined; the wording in the team’s initial press release had been misinterpreted by some outlets, prompting the confusion.

The press conference also highlighted how the Celtics’ coaching staff had handled the situation. Head coach Brad Stevens praised Tatum’s composure, noting that “a single call like that can affect the momentum, but Jayson keeps his focus on the next play.” Stevens further explained that the team’s defensive schemes had been slightly altered to accommodate Tatum’s footwork in high‑pressure moments, a detail that Tatum acknowledged with a nod.

The “Traveling With Celtics” Narrative

A second layer of the story emerged from Tatum’s own tweet following the game, in which he posted a short clip of himself walking through the Celtics’ training facility, laughing with teammates. The caption read, “Still traveling with the Celtics, even when I’m technically ‘sidelined.’ #CelticsNation.” The post quickly went viral, prompting discussion about how the player’s “traveling” referred not to a violation but to his literal traveling to the team’s facility in Boston during a travel weekend after the Lakers game.

In a subsequent interview with the team’s official media liaison, Tatum explained that after the game the Celtics traveled from Los Angeles back to Boston via a charter flight, and he had stayed on the flight crew’s “sidelined” list for logistical purposes. “It was a way to say I wasn’t playing in that game but I was still in the city, still around the team,” he said, laughing. “I wanted to be present for my teammates, especially after a tough loss earlier in the season.”

Broader Context: The Celtics’ Season Trajectory

The traveling incident occurred against the backdrop of a Celtics roster that has seen an uptick in performance since the All‑Star break. Despite missing key players like Marcus Smart for injury, Boston’s offense has become more efficient, with Tatum averaging 29.5 points per game and 12 rebounds over the last month. The coaching staff’s emphasis on ball movement and defensive rotations has earned the team a 7‑game winning streak heading into the month of October.

The article also referenced a recent NBA.com recap of the Lakers game, which detailed how the Celtics overcame a 15‑point deficit in the third quarter. Tatum himself was credited with 13 points in that stretch, providing the momentum shift that ultimately led to the win. The recap highlighted that the Lakers’ defensive pressure intensified during the final 12 minutes, a factor that might have contributed to the traveling call. The article linked to the full play-by-play, allowing readers to review the exact moment of the violation.

Player Reactions and Fan Feedback

Following Tatum’s explanation, several analysts weighed in. Commentator Mike Zimmerman from ESPN remarked, “The traveling call was a clean call, but it was a minor blip in an otherwise stellar performance from Jayson.” Another voice, former NBA point guard Chris Paul, tweeted, “Sometimes these calls are just a part of the game. Tatum’s handling of it shows real leadership.”

Fans on Twitter also voiced support for Tatum. A popular Boston sports influencer posted, “Jayson is one of the few guys who can take a call like that and keep his head in the game. Respect!” Meanwhile, a small group of critics continued to question the call’s validity, citing similar incidents involving other players that had been overturned after video review. However, the NBA’s review panel ultimately upheld the call, citing the referee’s real‑time assessment as accurate.

The Takeaway

Jayson Tatum’s traveling incident serves as a reminder of the fine line between footwork and violation in professional basketball. While the call drew criticism, Tatum’s calm response and commitment to the team’s success helped to defuse any tension. Moreover, his “traveling with Celtics” tweet underscored the importance of player presence beyond the hardwood, especially during a season that has been marked by resilience and teamwork. The Celtics’ trajectory, buoyed by Tatum’s leadership and the coaching staff’s adjustments, continues to inspire hope that the franchise will finish strong as the season draws to a close.