Overcoming a sluggish start, Jayson Tatum emerged as the top scorer with 32 points, propelling the Boston Celtics to their 10th consecutive victory as they defeated the visiting Dallas Mavericks 138-110 on Friday night. Tatum initially secured only two points within the first 17 minutes but rebounded impressively, finishing 10-for-19 from the field and securing eight rebounds. Jaylen Brown contributed 25 points, while Kristaps Porzingis added 24 to the Celtics’ winning performance.

Boston showcased remarkable proficiency from beyond the arc, connecting on 48.8 percent of their 3-point attempts, with Tatum sinking 5-of-9. Porzingis made four 3-pointers, and Jrue Holiday and Derrick White each contributed three. Despite Luka Doncic’s impressive triple-double performance of 37 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists for the Mavericks, the Celtics maintained control, leading by 12 points after three quarters and extending it to 112-94 in the fourth. Al Horford’s 3-pointer with 3:57 left secured a 127-103 lead for Boston, who made all 13 of their free-throw attempts.

Kyrie Irving led the Mavericks with 19 points, followed by P.J. WаsҺinɡton with 17 and Dereck Lively II with 15. WаsҺinɡton also contributed seven rebounds. Dallas struggled from 3-point territory, shooting 26.5 percent, with Doncic and WаsҺinɡton each making three 3-pointers. This victory marked Boston’s second triumph over Dallas this season, having previously beaten them 119-110 in January. The Celtics led 38-32 after the first quarter, extended their advantage to 12 points by halftime (66-59), and, despite a mid-third-quarter push by the Mavericks, held a comfortable 102-90 lead heading into the final quarter, with Tatum contributing 16 points in the third.