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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - MAY 07: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates after Derrick White #9 hit a three point shot against the Cleveland Cavaliers Game One of the Eastern Conference Second Round Playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers at TD Garden on May 07, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
As the Friday night meeting between the Dallas Mavericks and the Boston Celtics approached, Jayson Tatum was upgraded on the injury report for the first time this season.
On Thursday, it was becoming increasingly clear that Tatum was going to make his return to the court very soon. Friday’s March 6 matchup ended up being the day.
The Celtics didn’t show their hand with the strategy for utilizing Tatum on Friday night against the Mavs. Joe Mazzulla didn’t reveal a restriction, and Tatum was entered into the starting lineup.
How Did Jayson Tatum Play In His First Game Back?
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum during an NBA game.
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Tatum logged 27 minutes—third on the team.
Only Derrick White (31 minutes) and Jaylen Brown (33 minutes) had more.
The superstar forward shot 6-16 from the field to score 15 points. Three of his baskets came from beyond the arc. He didn’t get to the free-throw line at all.
Beyond his scoring, Tatum came down with 12 rebounds, produced seven assists, and came up with two steals.
Although the Celtics have been thriving in his absence, there was still a clear impact offered from Tatum amid a 120-100 win for the Celtics over the Mavericks.
How Did NBA Fans Feel About Tatum’s First Game Back?
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 06: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics and Cooper Flagg #32 of the Dallas Mavericks shake hands after the Celtics defeat the Mavericks 120-100 at TD Garden on March 06, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Let’s take a look at NBA Reddit…
“Impressive stuff. Forgot how much of a swiss army knife he can be,” one NBA fan wrote.
“One of most impressive things I’ve seen from an NBA athlete. He has all my respect. First game back from THAT injury not even a year ago and you’re playing 27 minutes? And with those stats on top of it? The roasts gotta stop lol” said another.
During the 2025 NBA Playoffs, Tatum suffered a devastating Achilles injury during the Celtics’ second-round series against the New York Knicks.
Typically, Achilles injuries can cost a player an entire season, especially when it occurs that late into the season. However, Tatum couldn’t imagine taking an entire year off, and he made that apparent from the jump.
“The immediate playmaking and rebounding he brought back made me so happy. Shot was rusty at first but he seemed to settle in after the first half. Excited to see him work his way back,” an NBA fan on Reddit added.
“I think I missed this dude playing basketball almost as much as he did,” a Celtics fan said.
“One of my favorite things about Jayson Tatum is that if he weren’t capable of being a 30-point scorer, he’d still basically be the combo forward equivalent of Derrick White. He’s just doing everything everywhere all the time,” another fan stated.
The Celtics will have to ease Tatum in. The last thing they want to do is find him overworked early on. The season has reached its final stretch, but there is still plenty of time for him to get fully comfortable within the system again. Fortunately, Tatum doesn’t have to press. The Celtics are one of the top teams in the league as he returns to the court.
With Friday’s win, the Celtics improved to 42-21. They are second in the Eastern Conference, trailing the Detroit Pistons by 4.0 games.
The Celtics will be back on the court on Sunday, March 8, for a battle against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tatum’s status for that game is currently unclear.