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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – FEBRUARY 19: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers speaks during a press conference prior to the 2023 NBA All Star Game between Team Giannis and Team LeBron at Vivint Arena on February 19, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
On Friday night, the Boston Celtics hosted the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden.
Jayson Tatum made his season debut, finishing with 15 points, 12 rebounds, seven assists and one steal while shooting 6/16 from the field and 3/8 from three-point range in 27 minutes of playing time.
The Celtics won by a score of 120-100.
LeBron James Sends Viral Message To Jayson Tatum
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 23: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers fends off Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics from the ball during a 117-96 Lakers win at Crypto.com Arena on January 23, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
After the game, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James made a post to X for Tatum.
His message had over 5,000 likes in 15 minutes.
James wrote: “WELCOME BACK BIG DEUCE!!! @jaytatum0 🙏🏾💪🏾🫡🔥”
WELCOME BACK BIG DEUCE!!! @jaytatum0 🙏🏾💪🏾🫡🔥
Tatum’s Return Has NBA World Excited
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. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The Celtics are already the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
However, that was without Tatum.
Now, they have won one of the best 12 players in the league back in their starting lineup.
The NBA wrote: “JAYSON TATUM GETS ON THE BOARD WITH BACK-TO-BACK BUCKETS! THE BOSTON CROWD IS FIRED UP 🔥”
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 06: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics celebrates after scoring against the Dallas Mavericks during the second quarter at TD Garden on March 06, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Tatum finished last season with averages of 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.1 steals per contest while shooting 45.2% from the field and 34.3% from three-point range in 72 games.
He is in his ninth year out of Duke.
Noa Dalzell of Celtics on CLNS wrote: “I’ve only been tweeting about Tatum, but a lot of guys had great games tonight:
Jaylen Brown: 24 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists Derrick White: 20 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists Payton Pritchard: 18 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists Neemias Queta: 16 points, 15 rebounds
Team win”
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 23: (L-R) Jayson Tatum and LeBron James attend the Starting 5 LA Premiere at The Egyptian Theatre Hollywood on September 23, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netflix)
Looking Ahead For Boston
GettyCHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 21: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on December 21, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The Celtics (who are 42-21) will now head to Cleveland for a showdown with James Harden and the Cavs on Sunday.
They have won eight out of their last ten games.
Last season, the Celtics lost to the New York Knicks in the second round of the 2025 playoffs.
Former FS1 And ESPN Star Skip Bayless wrote: “Jayson Tatum on his Achilles rehab: “Lotta nights I was cryin’.” Doubting. Wondering if it would ever be the same. Tonight in his return: 15/12/7. Still a ways to go. But is he ever back on the road.”
Ben Stinar Ben Stinar has been covering the NBA for over seven years.
He has written for OnSI, Forbes, Amico Hoops, The Big Lead and had a podcast with former All-Star Jameer Nelson. More about Ben Stinar
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