Jayson Tatum's return was essentially perfect: 7 takeaways as Celtics blow out Mavericks

"Nearly 10 months removed from a bleak night in New York when the Celtics lost both Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals and their superstar to a torn Achilles, Jayson Tatum returned to action on Friday, and his return - which overshadowed an impressive 120-100 victory by the Celtics over the Mavericks - was everything the team could have hoped."

"To the surprise of essentially everyone, Joe Mazzulla not only told ESPN's Jorge Sedano before the game that Tatum would not have a minutes restriction, he also started Tatum - and perhaps even more startling, Mazzulla offered that tidbit up freely to reporters before the game."

"The lights dimmed, and public address announcer Eddie Paladino began calling the Celtics' starting lineup. When his name was announced to a massive roar, Tatum rose - a small smile playing on his face - and made his way through the high-five line, leaping to meet Jaylen Brown back to back, the duo's traditional pre-game routine which had been conspicuously absent for the last seven months."

Jayson Tatum returned to action for the Boston Celtics after nearly 10 months away from a torn Achilles injury sustained in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Coach Joe Mazzulla made the decision to start Tatum without a minutes restriction, surprising many observers. Tatum's return was emotionally significant, featuring his traditional pre-game routine with Jaylen Brown and a moment of reflection at the scorer's table. The Celtics defeated the Mavericks 120-100, though Tatum's comeback overshadowed the team's impressive victory. Starting Tatum was deemed the appropriate decision, as it acknowledged the magnitude of his return and provided the emotional weight his comeback deserved from the TD Garden crowd.

Read at Boston.com