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Jayson Tatum Returns With 15-12-7 as Celtics Beat Mavericks 120-100

The All-Star’s first game since last spring’s right Achilles rupture begins a cautious, medically guided ramp-up.

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Mar 6, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) goes to the basket past Dallas Mavericks center Moussa Cisse (30) during the second quarter at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 29: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics and Jaylen Brown #7 look on in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the Orlando Magic at TD Garden on April 29, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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Overview

  • Tatum started and played 27 minutes without an announced cap, finishing with 15 points, 12 rebounds and 7 assists on 6-of-16 shooting (3-of-8 from three).
  • Boston pulled away in the second half, improving to 42-21 and holding second in the East as six Celtics scored in double figures.
  • The TD Garden crowd gave Tatum a prolonged standing ovation as he returned 298 days after his playoff Achilles tear.
  • Tatum called the night surreal and emotional, acknowledging difficult rehab stretches and framing the game as a huge step in his return.
  • Dallas rookie Cooper Flagg logged 16 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists in his first TD Garden game, and LeBron James posted a “WELCOME BACK” message to Tatum as Boston monitors his availability for Sunday at Cleveland.