Cooper Flagg was the Maine story in Jayson Tatum's return

"Jayson Tatum's return to the Celtics' lineup, 298 days after tearing his right Achilles tendon in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals, was the story across the NBA Friday night, not to mention one of the most intriguing plot developments of the entire season."

"Flagg, who is from a family of passionate Celtics fans - his mom, Kelly, grew up in a household that had a Larry Bird poster in the kitchen - had never played at the Garden until Friday night."

"The 19-year-old Flagg acquitted himself well. He shot just 7 of 23, but served as the fulcrum of the Mavericks' offense with 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in his second appearance since returning from a foot injury that cost him eight games."

Jayson Tatum made his triumphant return to the Boston Celtics lineup 298 days after suffering a torn right Achilles tendon, finishing with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 assists in a 120-100 victory over the Dallas Mavericks. The game was equally significant for Cooper Flagg, the 19-year-old Mavericks rookie and No. 1 overall pick from Maine, making his first appearance at TD Garden. Flagg, from a family of passionate Celtics fans, recorded 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists in his second game back from a foot injury. Despite shooting 7 of 23, Flagg served as the offensive fulcrum for Dallas, demonstrating solid all-around play in his homecoming performance.

Read at Boston.com