The Boston Celtics defeated the Dallas Mavericks, 124-95, at American Airlines Center on Thursday night.

The Celtics (27-12) came into the contest as road favorites despite having suffered a 33-point embarrassment against a short-handed Thunder squad in their most recent game, and there were signs early Thursday would go differently for the defending Eastern Conference champs. Boston owned a 29-20 lead over the Mavericks (22-17) after the first 12 minutes, and the visitors had added another nine points to their advantage prior to halftime. The Celtics then ensured Dallas wouldn't gain any traction on a second-half comeback by forging a 25-19 edge during the third, sealing the win at that point.

Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with a 29-point, 14-rebound, 10-assist triple-double that included two blocks and one steal. Jaylen Brown furnished 19 points, seven boards, three assists and two blocks. Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon generated matching 15-point contributions while recording five and three rebounds, respectively. Grant Williams supplied 12 points, four boards, three assists and one steal, while Derrick White delivered 10 points, one assist and two blocks.

Luka Doncic paced the Mavericks with 23 points, complementing them with nine rebounds and three assists. Spencer Dinwiddie totaled 18 points, five assists and one rebound. Jaden Hardy registered 15 points, two rebounds and two assists. Christian Wood generated a 12-point, 12-rebound double-double that included one assist and one block. Dwight Powell turned in 10 points, eight boards and one steal.

The Celtics remain on the road and in Texas to visit the San Antonio Spurs on Saturday evening, while the Mavericks remain home and welcome in the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night.