Celtics Beat Mavs, Tatum Returns
Boston defeated Dallas 120-100 with Jayson Tatum returning from injury to score 15 points, calling it "a really good step" in his recovery. The win helps Boston maintain Eastern Conference momentum, though Nikola Vucevic broke his finger and is expected to miss about a month.
Jayson Tatum's return comes after a lengthy 10-month rehabilitation from a ruptured right Achilles tendon suffered during the 2025 Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks. The injury required surgery, with a typical recovery timeline estimated at 9-12 months. While Tatum works his way back, Jaylen Brown has been carrying the offensive load, averaging nearly 29 points per game. In the victory over Dallas, Brown led the Celtics with 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists. The win improves the Celtics' record to 42-21, keeping them in the second spot in the Eastern Conference standings. Despite Tatum's long absence, Boston has maintained a strong performance throughout the season. The injury to Nikola Vucevic, acquired at the trade deadline from the Bulls, is a significant blow to Boston's frontcourt depth. He had been averaging 11.4 points and 7.8 rebounds in 11 games with the Celtics before fracturing his finger just two minutes into the game against the Mavericks. With Vucevic sidelined, Luka Garza is expected to see an increased role as the primary backup to starting center Neemias Queta. Against the Mavericks, Garza contributed 10 points in 18 minutes, while Queta had a strong performance with 16 points and 15 rebounds.
