Jayson Tatum makes Celtics history for actual play in season debut

Tatum's production was, of course, lower than his career per game averages of 23.5 points, 7.3 rebounds and 3.8 assists, yet impressive for his first game back following surgery. 

"Many nights and days, I dreamed about this moment," responded a reflective Tatum when asked if the night reached what he hoped for during his recovery. 

Tatum also credited his team for winning when most expected the franchise to take a "gap" year from contending down their top player. Jaylen Brown leading Boston to a 41-21 record and the No. 2 seed position in the Eastern Conference provided motivation for Tatum to come back and join a team that could now be poised to make another title run.

Celtics can now argue as a favorite in the East

After their latest win, their first of the season with Tatum on the court, the Celtics are now 42-21 and hold a 1.5-game led over the New York Knicks in the conference standings. They are also just four games behind the conference-leading Detroit Pistons, who have lost back-to-back games. 

While it's hard to know how Tatum will play from this point forward, or even how Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla uses him, if he can be anything close to as effective and impactful as he was in his season debut, Boston will have just as good of a chance as anyone to come out of the East again.