Celtics star Tatum exits with left ankle sprain

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla is optimistic that star forward Jayson Tatum won't be out long after taking a hard foul and spraining his left ankle during the third quarter of Monday's 113-95 win over the Sacramento Kings.

Tatum was leading the Celtics in scoring when he got hurt. The six-time All-Star made a contested 3-pointer and was fouled by Kings 6-foot-11 center Domantas Sabonis, who was called for a flagrant 1. Tatum's left foot landed on Sabonis' foot, and Tatum immediately dropped to the floor.

"He seems to be doing OK," Mazzulla said. "I didn't see the play, but they made the right call. Fortunate that he was able to shoot the free throws. [He's] taking care of it right now."

Tatum, who finished with 25 points and was limping gingerly through the Celtics' locker room after the game, told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne his ankle is "just sore" but that the team is "going to be cautious."



Tatum remained down for several moments while being examined by Celtics staff members. He was helped to the bench before returning to the court to make one of two free throws to give Boston a 79-68 lead with 3:35 remaining in the third. He then left for the locker room.

"I literally just asked him how he was doing, and he said, 'OK,'" Mazzulla said. "He'll do anything and everything to make sure he gets better."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.