Jayson Tatum is back in action, and fans are in championship excitement after his season opener in the Boston Celtics' game against the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night.
Tatum tore his Achilles in last year's playoff series against the New York Knicks in the East Semifinals. After 10 months of rehabilitation, he successfully returned to court.
In 27 minutes of action, Tatum completed a major step in his recovery. He finished with a stat line of 15 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and one steal. He made 6 of 16 shots from the field, including 3 of 8 from beyond the arc.
It didn't take long for fans, who had high expectations on the Celtics' championship potential, to respond to the performance. Here are some of their reactions.
NBA insider Brett Siegel wrote, "What a great debut for Jayson Tatum, as he had 15 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists in exactly 27 minutes on the night against the Mavs. The Celtics star had a strong performance in his first game since tearing his Achilles in May."
"Seeing Tatum back on the court is one of those iconic moments that will stick with me for the rest of my life. On behalf of basketball fans around the world, welcome back JT!" one fan said.
Another commented, "I couldn't have imagined the reality of being a Celtic fan tonight even in my dreams."
"Highlights: 1. Bible Belt. 2. Flagg stuck in NGL Dallas. 3. Tatum double double. 4. We're back," one commented.
One replied, "All it took was one try to get him to start cooking, my goat is really back."
Jayson Tatum, how the Celtics played against the Mavericks
Jayson Tatum played brilliantly and the Celtics defeated the Mavericks 120–100 in a home win.
Six players, including Tatum, scored in double figures for Boston in the win. Jaylen Brown led the way with 24 points and seven rebounds, Derrick White had 20 points and four assists, while Payton Pritchard provided 18 points and seven rebounds.
Boston improved to a 42–21 record on the season and finished second in the Eastern Conference standings. They are above the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers while trailing the Detroit Pistons.
The Celtics will look forward to their next matchup while on the road. They will take on the Cavaliers as tip-off takes place on March 8 at 1pm ET.
