Celtics' 1-2 Punch Good Enough To Beat Luka and the Mavs, Keep Celtics Atop the NBA standings

Jayson Tatum (37) and Jaylen Brown (31) scored 17 of Boston's 24 fourth-quarter points, getting them back on a winning track.

Dallas star Luka Doncic was doing Luke Doncic-like things, all but wiping out a Boston Celtics blowout and making it a game as he brought the Mavs within 10 points about halfway through the fourth quarter. 

And then there was Jaylen Brown getting a basket. 

Following a defensive stop, Brown was at it again, using his dribble-drive skills to blow past Doncic for a lay-up while being fouled for an old-fashioned three-point play that pushed Boston’s lead back to 15 points. 

Dallas fought back and made it a single-digit game, only for Tatum to take over with a powerful dunk to make it a double-digit Celtics lead again. 

Tatum later blocked a Doncic shot at the basket, leading to a 3-pointer by Brown that put Boston up by 17 points. 

The balancing act of Tatum and Brown was instrumental in Boston’s surge toward the NBA Finals a year ago and is just as important now as they continue to bury team after team with a barrage of strong play at both ends of the floor. 

Dallas managed to make it a game in the fourth, but Boston’s 1-2 punch was too much as the Celtics pulled away for a 125-112 win with another victory improving their league-best record (14-4).

The elite level of play by Tatum and Brown stands out among the keys to Boston’s success that has allowed them to stand out and separate themselves from the rest of the NBA pack.

Tatum, who came in as the league’s fifth-best scorer, is a load for most defenses to deal with. Throw in the challenges that Brown presents, and it’s no surprise Boston has the NBA’s most potent offense. 

STARS

Luka Dončić: It was another MVP-worthy performance by Dončić, but it wasn’t enough to get the Dallas win. Dončić finished with a game-high 42 points to go with nine assists and eight rebounds.

Jayson Tatum: Another strong performance for Jayson Tatum who continues to make his case for the league MVP award. Tatum, who was questionable leading up to Wednesday’s game, answered the call and delivered a 37-point, 13-rebound, 5-assist performance along with a pair of blocked shots. 

Jaylen Brown: Only when on the floor with a pair of MVP candidates like Jayson Tatum and Luka Dončić, can a performance like the one Brown delivered by overlooked and not giving its due props. Brown had 31 points to go with four rebounds and a pair of steals.

STUDS

Christian Wood: The fact that Christian Wood continues to make a major impact for Dallas but doesn’t seem to do enough to start, is a bit of a head-scratcher. He continues to be the second-best player on the Dallas roster, behind Luka Dončić. On Wednesday, Wood finished with a double-double of 26 points and 12 rebounds. 

Marcus Smart: This was one of Marcus Smart’s more efficient games as both a scorer and playmaker. He tallied 13 points on 5-for-9 shooting along with dishing out nine assists with a team-best plus/minus of +21. 

UH-UHS

Tim Hardaway Jr.: This was a rough night for Tim Hardaway Jr., who at no point in the game found any kind of rhythm with his shot. He would finish the game with just two points, doing so while missing six of his seven shot attempts.