1. Kemba Walker was sidelined for the first game following the All-Star break after having his knee drained and receiving an injection. As they have year, Boston employed their “next man up” mentality. Except Friday night it was “next men up”. Four different Celtics scored 25 or more points, five players had at least five rebounds and multiple players contributed defensively. It was a good team win to kick off the stretch run of the season.
2. Jayson Tatum had it going early, as he scored 18 of his 28 points in the first half.