Boston Celtics Beat Dallas Mavericks, Battle of the MVP’s

Despite Luka Doncic’s 42-point performance, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum lead the Boston Celtics to a victory up in Bean Town.

Two proved better than one for the Boston Celtics on Thanksgiving Eve. The dynamic duo that is Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, combined for 68 points, 17 rebounds and nine assists. Currently, the League’s most powerful offensive unit, Doncic and the Mavs could not stop the Jays. Even with Doncic dropping 42 points on 17-for-28 shooting, it just wasn’t enough to take the win from the home team. The Celtics built up a hefty lead early on but Dallas pulled within nine points late in the game; giving fans four quarters of good ass basketball. Defensively, Derrick White, Al Hereford, Marcus Smart and Jayson Tatum, rotated, taking turns covering Doncic in the opening minutes.

Offensively, Brown took command of the ball and scored seven points in under two minutes which put the Celtics ahead, 26-14. Malcolm Brogdon also contributed effective minutes, adding in a pair of pull-up threes to keep the Celtics on pace. Entering the second quarter, the Celtics had an eleven-point lead as Tatum had an onslaught of points from deep and at the rim – drawing 11 free throw attempts. It was finally looking like the Celtics had redeemed themselves after losing to the Mavericks four straight times.

“Dallas has gotten the best of us the last few years,” said Tatum, who finished with 37 points, 13 rebounds and five assists. Clearly, they didn’t get the best of him this time around.

As the final buzzer ended, talks of Tatum climbing up the MVP ladder quickly broke out – especially on social media. In TD Garden, MVP chants erupted for Tatum. Respectfully. With a much-needed win, against a worthy opponent, the Celtics prepare for their next game against the Sacramento Kings on Friday, 11/25, at 8 PM ET.