Celtics Reassert Dominance in the East with Tatum's Return

Boston's season-defining run begins as Jayson Tatum rejoins the lineup and leads the Celtics to a decisive win over the Cavaliers.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Boston Celtics have reasserted their dominance in the Eastern Conference with the return of star forward Jayson Tatum. In a decisive victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers, Tatum showcased his MVP-caliber talent, scoring 20 points in just 27 minutes of play. The win solidifies the Celtics' position as the team to beat in the East, as they boast the second-best point differential in the NBA despite Tatum's earlier absence.

Why it matters

The Celtics' performance with a healthy Tatum in the lineup underscores their status as the favorites to represent the East in the NBA Finals. Their ability to win convincingly on the road against a top-4 team in the conference demonstrates the depth and versatility of their roster, which includes All-Star Jaylen Brown and a supporting cast of capable role players.

The details

In the 109-98 victory over the Cavaliers, Tatum was efficient and dominant, shooting 8-of-12 from the field and adding 15 rebounds and 7 assists. The Celtics' offense hummed with Tatum's return, as Jaylen Brown, Payton Pritchard, and Sam Hauser all made significant contributions. Meanwhile, the Cavaliers struggled, missing 20 of their first 22 three-point attempts and failing to slow down the Celtics' attack.

  • The Celtics defeated the Mavericks in Boston on March 7, 2026, just 42 hours before their matchup with the Cavaliers.
  • The Cavaliers last played on March 3, 2026, giving them an extended break before facing the Celtics.

The players

Jayson Tatum

The Celtics' star forward and MVP candidate, who has returned to the lineup after missing time due to injury.

Jaylen Brown

The Celtics' All-Star guard, who has been a key contributor to the team's success this season.

Donovan Mitchell

The Cavaliers' star guard, who sat out the game against the Celtics as part of a planned rest period.

James Harden

The Cavaliers' newly acquired star guard, who struggled in the loss to the Celtics, shooting 6-of-16 from the field.

Jarrett Allen

The Cavaliers' starting center, who missed his second straight game due to knee soreness.

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What they’re saying

“Boston's potential championship return is no gimmick or novelty. The NBA's second-best point differential boasts an MVP candidate, Jaylen Brown turning over from Pippen into Jordan in a single possession, then it added whatever Jayson Tatum makes of this comeback crusade.”

— Kelly Dwyer, NBA Writer (yahoo.com)

What’s next

The Celtics will look to continue their dominant run as they prepare to face the Cavaliers again in a potential Eastern Conference Finals matchup. The Cavaliers, meanwhile, will need to get healthy and find a way to slow down the Celtics' high-powered offense if they hope to pull off the upset.

The takeaway

The Celtics have reasserted themselves as the team to beat in the Eastern Conference with Jayson Tatum's return to the lineup. Their decisive victory over the Cavaliers showcases the depth and talent of their roster, and they will be a formidable opponent for any team in the playoffs.