- The Washington Times - Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Jayson Tatum contracted COVID-19 in January, but three months later, the Boston Celtics star says he’s still battling the after-effects of catching the virus. 

Tatum revealed Tuesday that he’s been using an inhaler before games to help him. Speaking to reporters after Boston’s 116-115 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, Tatum said he’s “very close” to feeling 100%. 

“This has kind of helped with that and opened up my lungs, and, you know, I never took an inhaler before,” Tatum said. “So that’s something different. I for sure feel better now than I did a month ago.”

The virus caused Tatum to miss five games. In February, he admitted that his conditioning felt affected by the virus — telling reporters that he was losing his wind quicker than before. “It messes with your breathing a little bit,” he said. 

Tatum said Tuesday he isn’t sure how much longer he’ll keep using the inhaler.

“There’s no exact timetable,” Tatum said. “Just when I feel comfortable enough and I think I don’t need it.”

• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.

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