Post Game Thread - NBA: The Celtics defeat the Mavericks on Mar 6, 2026, the final score is 120-100.
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HELLO, 9-1-1? JAYSON TATUM RETURNED WITH A DOUBLE-DOUBLE AND IT’S LASTING FOR MORE THAN FOUR HOURS.
29 other teams are in a cold sweat panic right now
The team is just different with him on the floor.
Suddenly everyone else gets to play the roles they’re supposed to be playing.
Those assists were effortless. Pritchard’s preemptive return to the bench continues to make more sense by the day.
Yes he was obviously playing within himself given his conditioning and rust, but there’s nothing wrong with his court vision or feel for the game.
In general I loved this pass-focused version of Tatum, in some ways better than the way he played before. He was getting off the ball quickly and keeping the offense moving. Often before he’d catch it and hold it and slow things down, and then get into his bag.. which can work cause he’s that good, but seeing him make quick decisions/passes to guys for wide open shots was so refreshing.
And maybes it’s just been a while but his handle looks sweet too, I forgot what it was like seeing this giant 6’10 dude cross guys up going to the rim. Skill level and smarts looked great (other than the shooting until he broke off the rust - after which, idk if any of his makes even hit the rim)
911 operator: Please stay away from Celtics basketball for the foreseeable future as it will only prolong it.
And Could have been a Triple double if Neemy finished a couple of the dimes Tatum threw at him!!
Queta still wound up with a monster game but yeah he fumbled a couple of those sweet passes.
Seems like last year he was 1 or 2 assists from a triple double several times
Tatum was using queta on the roll in a way none of the other players have this season, I loved seeing it queta just has to get used to handling those spots (and when to make the extra pass too), I’m confident he’ll learn it though as they get more time together
He was on triple double watch and played 27 minutes. What a return
My goat coming back on this cunts birthday will haunt me for the rest of my life
Jayson Tatum in his return:
27 MIN 15 PTS 12 REB 7 AST
First game in 299 days.
Tatum played better than some all star wings in his first game in 299 days.
Insanely impressive. Also shoutout to JB and the rest of the guys for putting him in a position where he could return this year. This is definitely one of my favorite Celtics teams ever
JB slid back into sharing the #1 role like a glove, very commendable from him. The assists between them were so fun (and the lob attempt).
I expect JB to remain the first option for the rest of the season but I always thought the concerns about them struggling to play together when Tatum came back were overblown. These guys have done nothing but win together for 8 years at this point
That narrative honestly broke my brain: these two guys have been together for practically their entire careers.
I think if we were to look it up, there aren’t two guys in the league who are still playing together that have played as long with one another.
there aren’t two guys in the league who are still playing together that have played as long with one another
Jokic and Murray have them beat by a year, but yeah clearly Tatum and Brown are up there in terms of time spent playing together. Especially if you limit it to active star duos
Am I crazy for thinking that may be the Finals this year?
The crazy part might be thinking that this version of the Nuggets is making it out of the west, but yeah it’s certainly possible
Wow. Crazy to think now we’re thinking Nuggets are questionable, but Celtics are probable. Did I just half-quote Mazzulla?
I’m old and got to watch MJ return from his first retirement against the Pacers.
I am not exaggerating when I say that JT looked better in this first game back than MJ did back then. And MJ wasn’t coming back from an injury. Just a gambling suspension (lol, if you know, you know).
Looked it up, Jordan put up 19/6/6 on 7-28 shooting so Tatum definitely tops that performance (25% from the field is brutal). To be fair to MJ he dropped 55 in the MSG a few games later, expecting the same from Tatum lol
expecting the same from Tatum
But Tatum clearly is off to a better start than MJ, so his progression from injury should have him putting up at least 66 points in a few games
Is it true that Nikola Vucevic got hurt? If so, how long will he be out for?
Broadcast tonight said 1 month
Yes, fracture on his ring finger. He’s expected to be out for a month.
It’s a pain in the ass to see one key guy get hurt right when another comes back but he should be back come playoff time, April 18th next month is when the playoffs begin so there’s plenty of time for that finger to heal until then.
More rebounds than De’Andre Hunter will have for a whole month
And let’s be honest, he should have had a few more assists but the player he passed the ball to biffed it.
Imagine if he had a triple double 👀
Yes
Yes, I’m crying
And so are you
How did you know
I have to admit. I was leaking manboy tears when he got going.
We are so lucky to have these two.
Batman and Robin
And it really doesn’t matter which is which
Batman and Batman
https://preview.redd.it/c0j94sntdlng1.jpeg?width=1000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=53b59a67ef5d0a7f0600eda15790eee2e23ee3a8
More like…
Maybe I’m overreacting but that’s probably one of the most impressive performances I’ve ever seen. I mean blow your Achilles out hustle back and you look like that? I know he couldn’t breath but wow
Nah you’re not overreacting, it was really impressive. Especially considering he started 0-5 and battled through some early struggles to put up a great performance.
Yeah those 2 made buckets to go into the half probably gave him a huge confidence boost instead of 0-6, even though he played good overall besides the shooting
Bill Simmons sub in shambles
Loving this point forward Tatum. And he’s only 19!
A 19 year old who will get us banner 19!
kid has potential
Ain’t 19 no more! He is a GROWN MAN MEAN MF
See ya in the finals.
never have I felt so much love for a sports team. I don’t even like other sports
This story arc is incredible.
GO CELTICS
I’m here to eat some crow. Thought they’d be a play-in team at best. The team just plays really hard and its fun to watch - and they’ve surpassed expectations. Tatum coming back is the cherry on top.
The biggest W was getting Tatum through a full game with no issues. Bro is back to play! Everything else was icing on the cake
The start of the game was hilarious. Guys were shooting like they were over-excited on the first game of the finals.
Exactly what I said to my daughter Environment elevated, players nervous like it was a final.
Your daughter’s name is Environment?
ENVIRONMENT ELEVATED DINNERS READY!!!
Stop it I’m fucking weak😭😭😭
I thought the exact same thing. I think the other guys definitely felt that the moment just special and were a little tense.
HAHAHAHAHAHA THE LEAGUE IS SO FUCKED
! Remind me : one week
Easy now. Dallas is no one. Literally.
Easy now. Youre no one. Really!
Well, true, but I’ll dunk on ya noggin! Also I’m no one who knows more hoops than you do. There is that! 😂
Tatum almost had a triple-double
Would’ve done if Queta hadn’t missed some bunnies in the first quarter
Just like old JT
Boy, this guy was worried for no reason, amirite?
https://preview.redd.it/mgadgdxn9jng1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=430574e5a3e45b6cf8b3781a9ddddd5132c4312b
Shows how great of a teammate Tatum is that he was worried about disrupting the chemistry, many players wouldn’t give a shit.
It’s also how he came into the league.
He’s been the rookie/sophomore who had to deal with stars getting hurt and then awkwardly trying to come back after the team had been successful without them.
I would double down on that for JB. Has done nothing but say the right things about Tatum, let him have his space on the court tonight, and still drove this team’s offense when needed.
I love the Jays.
There was so much balance in the Celtics attack even Thanos couldn’t find fault.
League is fucked.
Poor Vuc got his finger ripped off before eating off the Tatum stimulus package
JT vuc pnr/pop wouldve made people think we got another KP
What he say fuck me for?
Vucevic, rest now brother, we have the watch. See you in Valhalla
Back in a month according to the announcers. Broken ring finger, minor surgery, will return before the playoffs
This is hilarious from the r/nba post-game thread:
https://preview.redd.it/pv6yx6pycjng1.png?width=1800&format=png&auto=webp&s=bcdc171ec345b6d762e4e8c526c551b64cb420e1
Art.
We feed off their hate!
https://preview.redd.it/g36fn5ebdjng1.jpeg?width=1599&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=374b099ac0a413f56a6fa34b60cd1b31358bfcc4
Vibes
We back?! NAH WE NEVER LEFT!!!!! WELCOME BACK JT! THE VIBES ARE IMMACULATE.
Anyone else kicking their feet in the air and giggling watching his postgame interview 😭
Expectation: A year plus on the shelf, it’s totally gonna be a gap year
Reality: 10 MONTHS FUCK IT WE BALL
Welcome back, king
LEAGUE FUCKED O’CLOCK
Tatum back; league fucked.
Welcome back, JT 💚
This is the greatest day of the last 300 days of my life
So so fun to watch Tatum again. JB was great. He took over when we needed to create some distance from Dallas on the scoreboard. Pritchard also returned to form in that second half. I’m disappointed about Vucevic though. I was not impressed by his performance so far, but he needs this time to integrate into Celtics style of play. It’s disappointing he won’t be able to
Such a relief this game was. Also Brown had a monster 24, 7, 7 game as well.
The jumper looks smoother. I know he wasn’t incredibly efficient tonight or anything, but the j looks more fluid, and I think that’ll pay dividends. Awesome to have him back.
Holy Moly, this team is a THREAT
He did so much and you can tell he’s not at full form.
I love you Jayson Tatum
HE’S BACK BABYYYYYYYY
I’d say we’re so back, but we never left. 🦬
It’s crazy just how natural our offense looks when Tatum’s on the floor. He has so much gravity even without the typical strength and bounce he usually has.
I’m shocked, I would have been totally fine if he looked as aggressive as he did but couldn’t shake the rustiness showing in the first quarter.
Then the putback dunk and corner three and he had his touch back. Bravo JT
Knicks, Cavs, Hornets and Pistons fans are now wondering whether there’s still time to tank for Dybantsa
Tatum averaging 12 rebounds per game this year. 2nd in the league after Jokic
27 minutes and a double double the first night back 😎
He looked shockingly good for a guy in his first game back from what a lot of people say is a career altering or ending injury
Im fuckin emotional rn JT you’re really different , They all share the ball, the balance shooting attempts, everything man
The putback sidestep three sequence made me emotional guys
I feel like Tatum spent the last 299 days buffing up his shoulders. Am I crazy or is he more of a tank?
even if Tatum’s vert never is 100% back, hes got two fucking boulders to clear space
“The BBIQ was on full display tonight” - he wasn’t hitting his own shots but the beginning of the game made it so obvious just how well he processes the game. Just incredible vision
I Love Jayson Tatum!!!
A good day to be a Celtics fan.
Nature is healing
Knicks and Pistons in shambles. Good to have you back JT!!! LFG!
JT comes back and we immediately start smoking anyone and everyone by 20. Hope you had your fun, NBA. C’s are back ☘️
I love this team so much! It’s such a blessing to have Jayson back.
Also - I forgot how much Jayson also helps with rebounds, among other things! We needed that.
JT please have your way with my insides
Imagine being a doomer on a night like this
Mr. Tatum is a true class act! Welcome back.
WE GOT THIS!
Wow! 3.6.26 Jayson Tatum Day!
This is our lives now
Nut
29 teams shaking in their boots. 4th best team in the league gets their superstar starter back and he looks like a seamless addition in game 1
I love this team. League is fucked. They’re after banner 19 like nothing ever even happened
From going from “tanking year and no JT playing at all” to this is unbelievable
We just want to win meme
Made me so happy to watch. JB did well just taking his time too. It looked clunky early, but I was expecting a clunky ten games, so this was sweeeet.
I watched at the gym and was smiling ear to ear at the end of the first half.
That was fun!
Easy triple double if no minute restriction.
Cs at the over under 41⁄42
Tatum is BACK, BAYBEE!! ♥️☘️🏀
I’m rewatching the game now since I didn’t get to catch it live and I am absolutely cackling at Queta launching that Hail Mary at the shot clock like he’s Tom Brady to end the half 😂 dude absolutely launched that sucker
Yeah, I’m pretty sure my miss would NOT be 30 feet above the basket. LOL
Dude’s got a CANNON
90% of the time you think those full court shots might go in. I was never in doubt this would not.
lmao so true
Great day for the Celtics. I know he will get better but that kind of performance in my mind is enough to lift the team this season. He doesn’t have to average 30. If he can have more of an elite role player mentality while he finds his feet, this team will flourish.
Shake off the rust/get some time together, and he makes at least 3 of those first 6 shots, and his teammates finish 3 more of the lobs/passes.
22/12/10 on good efficiency in 27 minutes isn’t averaging 30, but it’s not elite role player either. It’s just elite.
Tatum hasn’t ever really been a selfish player. Smart used to turn into a black hole taking 3s on nights where he didn’t have it. Tatum tends to fall back a bit and hawk boards and dimes when his shot isn’t falling. He doesn’t stop shooting entirely. He just doesn’t try to takeover the game if it’s not there.
TATUM BACK AND I’M ON CLOUD 9
BANG! Welcome back JT! He was really getting back to his old self by the end of the game
LET’S FUCKING GOOOOOOOOOOO WE SO BACK
Been a fan of Tatum since his debut as a Celtic. So I’m very very happy to see him back
WE DID ITTTTT
Gonna Goon to Tatums highlights tonight
Geno?
Called it.
Start Hugo!!!!
I thought even Tatum was gonna shed a tear in the after game interview.
Love ya JT.
I was there, on the couch, and it was glorious.
Why did Vucevic play for only 90 seconds or so?
Fractured finger. Out for a month.
Why did Vucevic only play 1 minute? Did he get injured?
Broke his finger.
One month out
JT went 0-6 and they still played highlights for those misses hella glazing him, then he went 5-5. I love Boston, full support for the man.
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24 on 53% from the field and 40% from 3. More than decent.
I will gladly take 15 points from Tatum after 10 months off due to an Achilles injury.
God I’m gonna goon.
A slightly scaled back nightly triple double watch Tatum could be pretty damn fun.
Man it was so great to see Tatum back out there. Showed off a lot of versatility with 15/12/7 in limited minutes. The second half he looked great. Jaylen with an efficient 24/7/7 game and Derrick looked good. Finally shout out to how strong Queta has been playing post all star break with 16 and 15 last night it’s been YEARS since we had a rebounder of his level we’ve gotta sign him to an extension this offseason. Just a nice balanced win with Baylor, Garza and Hugo contributing as well
Hey guys, I wasnt able to watch the game live this evening. Can anyone hit my with a rundown of JT’s performance? TYIA