Tatum returns, powering Celtics victory. Flagg, inspired by his idol, shines in his New England homecoming despite the loss.
In Big D - and maybe in his home state of Maine - a major storyline was Cooper Flagg's first NBA game back in New England.
But nationally, and understandably? This was about Jayson Tatum making his triumphant return from Achilles heel surgery as the Boston Celtics beat Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks 120-100 on Friday night.
Flagg, in his second game back from a foot sprain that has kept him out of action for nearly a month (dating back to February 12) participated here as he was playing in back-to-back games. The Duke product and No. 1 overall pick in last year's NBA Draft was impressive (as usual) as the teenage sensation finished with a team-high 30 minutes played, scoring 16 points. He also led Dallas with eight rebounds, and had six assists and one steal.
Tatum started for Boston and played 27 minutes and had 15 points, posting up a double-double, as he pulled down 12 rebounds and registered seven assists and a steal.
And Flagg, in a way, was sort of cheering him on.
“It’s incredible,” Flagg said following the game. “There were so many levels to it. He was somebody I idolized growing up and watched him go through levels and ranks and watched him at Duke. Kind of been following in his footsteps, go and play for (coach Jon) Scheyer at Duke, and then obviously coming into the league.
"This is surreal. It’s really special just for me to have this experience.”
As it happens, the pair - after the Boston cheers for both players died down - interacted after the game.
Flagg and Tatum embraced and shared a moment.
“He just told me to keep going,” Flagg said as Dallas dropped to 21-42. “He’s been a mentor for me through my journey from Duke to now. He’s somebody I’ve been able to talk to and get advice from. ... I told him that it’s incredible what he was able to do and how quick he came back. It’s really incredible.”