“We’re really looking forward to when we have everybody, but obviously we missed the big fella and what he brings,” Tatum said. “His presence on the offensive end really makes it tough for teams to switch us. When they do, we can punish them, so it was great to have him back.”

Kristaps Porzingis led the Celtics in scoring in his return to action, and Boston survived a surging Nets team in the final minute.

Kristaps Porzingis returned to the Boston Celtics’ starting lineup Saturday and scored 24 points against Brooklyn after missing the last eight games with an illness