Tatum-led Celtics defeat Pistons in final game before All-Star break

The Boston Celtics welcomed a few key players back to the lineup on Wednesday night and scored a comfortable 127-109 win over the Detroit Pistons in their last game before the All-Star break.

Another one ☘️ pic.twitter.com/GZhlpMRI7G

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 16, 2023

Jayson Tatum scored 38 points, including 24 in the third quarter to help the Eastern Conference-leading Celtics (42-17) enter the break with five wins in their last six games.

Another masterpiece from the man himself 🎨

JT is tonight's @Gatorade Player of the Game pic.twitter.com/10WBpWkwNn

— Boston Celtics (@celtics) February 16, 2023

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“All things considered, everything that we’ve went through this season as a team with coaching changes and guys getting injured, missing games and being in and out of the lineup. … Overall, it’s been a hell of a start,” Tatum said.

Malcolm Brogdon had 25 points off the bench, and Al Horford contributed 11 points and seven rebounds for Boston. Derrick White finished with 11 points and six assists.

Reigning NBA Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Smart scored nine points and added seven rebounds, six assists and six steals in his first game back after missing nine with a sprained right ankle.

“We missed a lot,” Celtics interim coach Joe Mazzulla said of Smart’s absence. “We missed his joy. He brought a level of joy into the game.”

The Celtics have a one-game lead over second-place Milwaukee, which has won 11 straight and plays its final game before All-Star Weekend on Thursday at Chicago.

Bojan Bogdanovic led the Pistons with 28 points and five rebounds. Isaiah Stewart added 14 points. Detroit has lost five of six.

The Celtics visit Indiana Pacers while the Pistons play at Orlando Magic on Feb. 23.