The Boston Celtics didn’t waste any time showing they’re serious about their post-trade identity. Just hours after finalizing a deal that sent Anfernee Simons to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for veteran big man Nikola Vucevic, the Celtics took the court in Dallas and handled business with a 110-100 road win over the Mavericks. And they did it despite a scorching 36-point performance from Mavericks rookie Cooper Flagg, who looked every bit the future star he's projected to be.
This wasn’t a flashy win - it was a gritty, grind-it-out kind of night that showcased Boston’s ability to adapt and execute, even while the roster is in flux.
Winning Ugly - But Winning Smart
The Celtics once again leaned into their strength: generating more shot attempts than their opponent. They outshot Dallas 96-89, which might not sound like a huge gap, but in a game where every possession mattered, it was crucial.
Boston also made life tough for the Mavericks from deep, holding them to just 28% from three-point range. The Celtics didn’t exactly light it up themselves (33% from beyond the arc), but the defensive effort on the perimeter helped tilt the game in their favor.
One of the more surprising elements? The Celtics only got to the free throw line five times - compared to 22 trips for Dallas.
That’s a huge disparity, and in most games, it’s a stat that spells trouble. But Boston weathered it by staying composed and making the most of their half-court possessions.
They also narrowly lost the rebounding battle, 49-47, but managed to mitigate second-chance opportunities and stay aggressive on the glass when it mattered most.
Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard Step Up
With Jayson Tatum not leading the charge in this one, Jaylen Brown made sure the Celtics didn’t miss a beat. He dropped 33 points on efficient looks, pulled down 11 rebounds, and added three assists and a steal. This was one of those games where Brown reminded everyone why he’s more than just a second option - he’s a two-way force who can carry the load when needed.
But the real spark came from Payton Pritchard, who lit up the Mavericks for 26 points, grabbed four rebounds, and dished out seven assists. Pritchard’s energy and shot-making were critical, especially with the Celtics needing someone to counter Flagg’s offensive explosion. His ability to create off the dribble and stretch the floor gave Boston the edge in key moments.
What This Means Moving Forward
Adding Vucevic brings a new dynamic to this Celtics team - a skilled big who can space the floor, rebound, and pass out of the post. While he didn’t suit up for this game, his presence is going to change how Boston operates offensively and defensively. For now, though, the Celtics showed they’ve got the depth and resilience to win tough games even when the odds - and the whistle - aren’t in their favor.
Beating a Mavericks squad on the road, especially with a red-hot rookie like Flagg going off, is no small feat. This win wasn’t about style points - it was about toughness, execution, and getting the job done. And if that’s the tone Boston’s setting post-trade, the rest of the East better take notice.