Duke basketball star still dealing with effects of COVID-19

Former Duke basketball standout Jayson Tatum is still feeling the effects of COVID-19. 

Stories continue to emerge of high-profile professional athletes who have been significantly impacted by COVID-19, and former Duke basketball star Jayson Tatum is still feeling the effects of the illness.

Prior to a matchup against the Denver Nuggets this week, the Boston Celtics (14-14) star discussed his decrease in production since returning from the lineup after his battle with the virus.

“I think it messes with your breathing a little bit. I have experienced some games where, I don’t want to say I was struggling to breathe, but, you know, you get fatigued a lot quicker than normal,” Tatum said.

After testing positive for the virus over a month ago and missing over two weeks of game action, the former Blue Devil is averaging 35.6 minutes and 25.0 points per game since January 15.

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“Just running up and down the court a few times, it’s easier to get out of breath or tired a lot faster. I’ve noticed that since I’ve had COVID. It’s just something I’m working on,” the All-Star explained.

Boston has been one of the teams hardest hit by the virus and injuries this season as the Eastern Conference runners-up last season are sitting at .500 on the year and 4.5 games behind the Philadelphia 76ers for the top spot in the East.

Duke basketball star still producing at a high level

Despite not being named as an All-Star starter on Thursday night, Jayson Tatum is still likely to make his second straight All-Star Game this season as a reserve.

The former Blue Devil has only failed to reach double-figures once, a six-point outing on February 14 against the Washington Wizards.

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Tatum is averaging a career-high 25.8 points per game as well as 7.0 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game.

Boston returns to the court for the second game of its two-game home-stand against the Atlanta Hawks (12-16) on Friday, February 19 at 7:30pm EST.