Getty

The Boston Celtics entered the NBA playoffs looking every bit like a team ready for a deep run, and their Game 1 performance backed that up in dominant fashion. Behind the long-awaited return of Jayson Tatum and another strong showing from Jaylen Brown, Boston rolled past the Philadelphia 76ers 123-91 on Sunday afternoon at TD Garden.

The win gave the Celtics a commanding start to their first-round series and reinforced why many view them as the favorite to come out of the Eastern Conference.

Jayson Tatum’s return sets tone for Celtics

While the scoreline told one story, Tatum’s postgame comments revealed another. After rupturing his Achilles in last year’s Eastern Conference semifinals, even stepping on the court again once felt uncertain.

“It’s an incredible feeling,” Tatum said. “Not too long ago I wasn’t sure if I was going to play this season. Let alone play in the playoffs. Today was probably the most excited, relaxed and grateful I’ve been about my nine years in the playoffs.”

That perspective showed in his performance. Tatum finished with 25 points on 9-of-17 shooting, adding 11 rebounds, seven assists, two steals and just one turnover in 32 minutes, The Boston Herald reports. He looked comfortable early, setting the tone with an aggressive first quarter that helped Boston build a 33-18 lead.

Tatum wasted no time reminding everyone of his impact. He attacked the paint, moved the ball fluidly and controlled the tempo. A highlight sequence late in the opening frame saw him slice through multiple defenders for a dunk before immediately pushing the pace with an outlet pass that led to an easy transition bucket.

Boston never looked back.

By halftime, the Celtics had extended their lead to 64-46, with Tatum pouring in 21 points before the break. It marked the 16th time in his playoff career that he scored at least 20 in a first half, a testament to both his consistency and big-game presence.

Brown, meanwhile, complemented Tatum’s return with a team-high 26 points. After a slow start, he found his rhythm in the third quarter, scoring 16 points and helping Boston fully break the game open. His energy reflected the team’s identity all season.

“That was Celtics basketball,” Brown said. “We’ve been the harder-playing team all year. That can’t change now that the playoffs have started.”

Celtics defense buries Sixers in Game 1

Defensively, Boston executed its game plan to near perfection against Tyrese Maxey. The All-Star guard finished with 21 points, but needed 20 shots to get there and attempted just five free throws. The Celtics limited his transition opportunities and forced him into difficult looks throughout the night.

Without Joel Embiid, who remains sidelined after an emergency appendectomy, Philadelphia struggled to generate consistent offense. The Sixers shot just 38.9% from the field and went a cold 4-for-24 from beyond the arc.

Boston capitalized in every area. They outscored Philadelphia 48-12 from three-point range, 22-3 in points off turnovers and 20-10 in transition. Their defensive pressure fueled easy offense, while their ball movement and shot selection kept the Sixers on their heels.

By the fourth quarter, the result was no longer in doubt. The Celtics built a 30-point lead, allowing head coach Joe Mazzulla to rest his starters and preserve energy for the rest of the series.

The blowout also marked the largest Game 1 victory in franchise history, an early statement from a team with championship expectations.

As the final minutes ticked away, the crowd inside TD Garden made its presence felt, CBS News reports. Fans chanted “We want Boston,” echoing and mocking similar chants from Sixers supporters earlier in the week.

Game 2 is set for Tuesday night in Boston, where the Celtics will look to take a 2-0 series lead before the matchup shifts to Philadelphia. With Tatum healthy and playing at a high level again, Boston’s ceiling looks as dangerous as ever.

For Tatum, though, the moment meant more than just a win. After months of uncertainty, rehab and questions about his future, simply being back on that stage carried a different weight.

And if Game 1 was any indication, he is not just back. He is ready to lead.