“It was surreal,” said Jayson Tatum after making his long-awaited return to the court. The Boston Celtics forward had been sidelined for 298 days due to an Achilles injury sustained during the Eastern Conference semifinals on May 12, 2025. His comeback was marked by a strong performance, contributing to the Celtics’ 120-100 victory over the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden on March 6, 2026.

Tatum’s return was highly anticipated, especially as the Celtics entered the game with a 41-21 record, holding the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Despite being on a minutes restriction, Tatum managed to record 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists, showcasing his impact on the game. His first basket since his injury was a putback dunk, a moment that electrified the home crowd.

In addition to Tatum’s performance, Jaylen Brown also shone for the Celtics, scoring 24 points along with 7 rebounds and 7 assists. The duo’s efforts were crucial in overcoming a Mavericks team that struggled with their shooting, particularly in the first quarter, where they posted a combined shooting percentage of just 35.3%.

Joe Mazzulla, the Celtics’ head coach, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “Our team is whole now.” He added, “It’s been a long journey and the culmination of a new journey begins today,” highlighting the significance of Tatum’s return to the squad.

On the Mavericks’ side, Cooper Flagg led the team with 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. However, the night was marred by an injury to Nikola Vucevic, who suffered a fractured right ring finger during the game, adding to the team’s challenges.

Tatum’s return not only boosts the Celtics’ chances as they push for a strong playoff position but also serves as a reminder of his importance to the team. The Celtics are looking to build momentum as they head into the final stretch of the regular season.

As the Celtics continue their campaign, fans will be eager to see how Tatum’s performance evolves in the coming games. With his confidence growing, the Celtics are poised to make a significant impact in the playoffs.

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