After a less-than-stellar performance, Jayson Tatum, alongside the Boston Celtics, was eager for redemption, especially following their recent heavy defeat. They found it in a 119-110 victory over the Dallas Mavericks, with Tatum leading the charge during Monday’s NBA action.
Tatum notched up an impressive 38 points and 11 rebounds, while his teammate Jaylen Brown added 35 points. Their efficient performance outshone the Mavericks’ duo of Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving despite Dallas having four days of rest compared to the Celtics’ back-to-back schedule.
Tatum and Brown’s combined 24-43 shooting starkly contrasted with Doncic and Irving’s 21-50. Doncic, although achieving a triple-double, required 30 shots to score 33 points, coupled with 18 rebounds and 13 assists. Irving, who had an unexpected break due to a game postponement, scored 23 points.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics, Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Tatum’s comeback was significant, from a 4-17 shooting night in the previous game against Houston. This turnaround was particularly poignant considering the Celtics’ loss on their last back-to-back outing.
“That’s the beauty of being in the NBA,” Tatum said. “There’s always a game the next day or the day after that, and you get a chance to redeem yourself.”
Jrue Holiday contributed 17 points, helping Boston conclude a grueling 11-game stretch over 18 days with an 8-3 record. Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla commended the team’s resilience and performance, even on consecutive game nights.
“I just told our guys in the locker room, there’s only one time where I saw the schedule catch up to us,” Mazzulla said. “I forgot it was a back-to-back just watching our guys compete. I couldn’t tell. It’s a credit to them.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics, Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks Updates
For Dallas, Tim Hardaway Jr. scored 20 points. The team felt the absence of Kristaps Porzingis, sidelined with knee inflammation, especially after his 32-point contribution in Dallas’s previous win over the Rockets.
In a notable matchup, Grant Williams faced the Celtics for the first time since being traded from Boston, the team that drafted him. However, Williams managed just two points in 18 minutes against his former team.
The game remained competitive, with Dallas narrowing the gap to seven points in the final five minutes. However, Brown’s four-point play following a 3-pointer and a foul by Hardaway extended Boston’s lead.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics, Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks Updates
Boston’s strategy of constant pressure on Doncic paid off, as his fatigue became evident in missed free throws and a technical foul due to frustration with officiating. Mavericks coach Jason Kidd noted the team’s need for better focus and less frustration with referees.
“We’ve been inconsistent in that department where we can get caught up with the officials instead of just staying focused on the game,” Kidd said. “No one’s going to be perfect, from player to official to coach. So you’ve got to just continue doing your job. I thought we got frustrated, and they took advantage of that.”
Irving revealed a sprained right thumb sustained early in the game but didn’t expect it to sideline him.
Looking forward, the Celtics are set to face the Miami Heat, while the Mavericks will host the Phoenix Suns in their upcoming matchups.
