NBA : Tatum's late-game heroics lead Celtics past Cavaliers, 109-98

Jayson Tatum shines in his second game back, scoring 20 points in the Celtics' 109-98 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Tatum nets six points in the crucial fourth quarter, including a dagger 3-pointer with 1:59 left. “Today felt a lot more normal,” Tatum states, relishing his return to form after a ruptured right Achilles tendon. Two nights prior, he impresses with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists against the Dallas Mavericks, receiving multiple standing ovations. His mother, Brandy Cole-Barnes, surprises him in Cleveland, bringing emotional support. Tatum logs 27 minutes, with his playing time limited for safety. He continues a streak of scoring 20 or more points against the Cavaliers, now at 11 games—second only to Larry Bird’s 13. The Celtics maintain their defensive prowess, holding opponents under 100 points for the 16th time this season.