The big man hadn't played since March 6 but was back on the floor on Sunday against Toronto.
The Boston Celtics moved one step closer to solidifying the No. 2 seed in the NBA's Eastern Conference playoffs on Sunday, defeating the Toronto Raptors 115-101 at TD Garden.
Boston is now 53-25 with four games left in the regular season. They were only up three heading into the fourth quarter, but outscored the Raptors 35-24 in that last stanza.
The Raptors are now 43-35. They sit in seventh place and in position to play in the play-in tournament, meaning if they end up earning the No. 7 seed, they'd play the Celtics in the first round.
Here's what you need to know:
Depth shows out again
Once again, the Celtics had their full depth on display, putting five players in double figures.
Jayson Tatum scored 23 points and pulled down 13 rebounds, shooting an efficient 7-of-15 from the floor. Jaylen Brown had 26 on 11-of-20 shooting while also grabbing six rebounds. Neemias Queta had 18 points and seven rebounds, shooting a ridiculous 90 percent from the floor. Also, Payton Pritchard had 17 points and Derrick White had 10.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) dribbles the ball against Toronto Raptors forward RJ Barrett (9) during the first half at TD Garden. Gregory Fisher-Imagn ImagesThe big man returns
Nikola Vucevic, who hadn't played since March 6 because of a ring finger fracture, had four points on 2-of-5 shooting. He played just 13 minutes, but it was important to get him on the floor and get him acclimated to playing with guys again. He was acquired at the trade deadline from the Chicago Bulls and only played 12 games before getting injured.
He also had yet to play with Tatum, so building up some camaraderie there is important as well.
Noteworthy
Neither team shot well from three-point range, with the Celtics going 8-of-28 (29 percent) and Toronto shooting 8-of-20 (40 percent). Toronto's percentage was solid, but the volume in NBA games is typically higher.
The C's also only shot 16 free-throws, something they may want to improve as they get into the playoffs.
Playoff scenario
Per Sean Grande of the Celtics broadcast team
Celtics beat the Raptors at TD Garden.
Boston can now finish no lower than 3rd in the East...their magic number is 2 to clinch 2nd (and the Atlantic Div for whatever that's worth).
A Knicks loss in Atlanta tomorrow, and a Celtics win Tuesday against Charlotte would clinch it.
Up next
As indicated, the Celtics will play the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday at 8:00 p.m. ET. The game will air on Peacock. Charlotte is currently in the No. 8 spot in the playoff picture.
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