The Boston Celtics delivered a dominant performance on Wednesday night, defeating the Miami Heat 147-129 at Kaseya Center. Jaylen Brown exploded for a game-high 43 points and added 7 assists, while Jayson Tatum notched his first triple-double since returning from injury, finishing with 25 points, 18 rebounds, and 11 assists. The Celtics also set a franchise record with 53 points in the first quarter alone.
Boston has now won eight of its last ten games and sits at 51-25 with just six regular-season contests remaining. The team currently holds the second seed in the Eastern Conference as the playoffs draw near.
With Brown and Tatum both healthy and performing at an elite level, one key piece has been noticeably absent from the rotation. However, Wednesday’s shootaround in Miami delivered a promising sign that the absence may soon come to an end.
Celtics Get Injury Boost
Nikola Vucevic participated in a competitive 3-on-3 session during the team’s shootaround, working alongside Hugo Gonzalez and several assistant coaches. The workout featured defensive drills, physical contact, and passing sequences, all while testing his injured right hand.
Vucevic has been sidelined since March 6 after fracturing his right ring finger. He underwent surgery the following day, with the Celtics initially announcing a 3-to-4-week re-evaluation period. Wednesday’s session came almost exactly four weeks after the procedure, marking his most significant on-court progress to date.
“He’s getting better, as you saw in the workout today,” head coach Joe Mazzulla said. “The most important thing is that he feels 100%. When he’s ready, he’ll come back.”
While the Celtics have not yet announced a specific return date, Vucevic’s participation in live-action drills represents a major positive step forward.
What Vucevic Brings Back to Boston
In his 12 games with the Celtics before the injury, Vucevic provided exactly what the team hoped for. He averaged 10.4 points and 7.2 rebounds per game while shooting 44.5% from the field and 35.1% from three-point range.
Since his absence, Luka Garza has stepped up impressively, posting highly efficient numbers: 63.8% shooting from the floor and 46.4% from beyond the arc, along with 9.8 points in 17.8 minutes per game. Garza’s best outing came on Monday with 20 points on just nine field goal attempts.
Vucevic’s return will create an intriguing frontcourt rotation puzzle for coach Mazzulla, as Garza, Neemias Queta, and the veteran big man have all earned playing time. Adding Vucevic back gives Boston significantly more depth and versatility in the paint and on the perimeter.
Injury Report for Milwaukee Matchup
Vucevic remains the only player listed on Boston’s injury report for Friday’s matchup against the Milwaukee Bucks, where he is officially ruled out with his right ring finger fracture.
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The Bucks, meanwhile, will be severely shorthanded. Giannis Antetokounmpo is out for the remainder of the season, Bobby Portis is sidelined with a left wrist sprain, and Kevin Porter Jr. is dealing with right knee synovitis.
Boston currently leads the season series against Milwaukee, winning two of the three meetings by an average margin of nearly 30 points.
Final Word for the Celtics
Jaylen Brown is playing the best basketball of his career, and Jayson Tatum continues to build momentum with every outing. The supporting cast has contributed consistently across the board.
The potential return of Nikola Vucevic would add yet another dangerous dimension to an already stacked Celtics roster. His ability to score in the post and stretch the floor from three-point range gives head coach Joe Mazzulla an additional weapon as the team prepares for the postseason.
With only six games left before the playoffs begin, the timing of Vucevic’s recovery could not be more critical for Boston’s championship aspirations.