The Boston Celtics news cycle is dominating the sports world this morning after a Friday night performance that will be studied for decades. In a breathtaking display of offensive efficiency, the Celtics demolished the Brooklyn Nets 148-111, setting an all-time NBA record with an 80.8% effective field goal percentage (eFG%). The historic rout, driven by 28-point outings from both Jaylen Brown and recent acquisition Nikola Vucevic, serves as the perfect prelude to what could be the biggest story of the season: the potential Jayson Tatum injury return this Sunday against the Philadelphia 76ers.

History Made: Inside the Celtics' Record-Breaking Offense

Friday's game at TD Garden wasn't just a win; it was a masterclass in modern basketball efficiency. The Celtics shot a season-high 66.7% from the field (52-of-78), falling just shy of the franchise record of 67.9% set back in 1984 against the Warriors. However, their efficiency from beyond the arc propelled them to a league-record 80.8% eFG%, a metric that adjusts for the added value of three-pointers.

"I thought we just did a good job reading the game," head coach Joe Mazzulla said post-game. "We made the right reads throughout most of the entire game." The numbers back him up: Boston connected on 22-of-34 three-pointers (64.7%) and committed only four turnovers in the second half. For fans looking for Celtics vs Nets highlights, the third quarter was particularly dazzling, as Boston outscored Brooklyn 43-26 to turn a competitive game into a laugher.

Vucevic and Brown: A New Dynamic Duo?

Since arriving from the Chicago Bulls at the trade deadline, Nikola Vucevic has seamlessly integrated into Boston's system, but Friday was his breakout moment. Vucevic recorded his third double-double in a Celtics uniform, finishing with 28 points and 11 rebounds. His ability to stretch the floor (hitting multiple threes) opened up driving lanes that Jaylen Brown stats watchers will appreciate: Brown finished with 28 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds.

"Tonight Vooch really looked comfortable in his offensive reads and his offensive screening," Mazzulla noted. "He unlocked a lot of stuff for us." With Payton Pritchard adding 22 points off the bench, the Celtics showed they have elite depth even without their primary superstar. The Nets, led by Michael Porter Jr.'s 18 points, simply couldn't keep pace with Boston's multi-faceted attack.

Countdown to Jayson Tatum's Season Debut

While the shooting records are impressive, the headline dominating the NBA injury report today is the status of Jayson Tatum. It has been 41 weeks since the superstar forward ruptured his right Achilles tendon in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Knicks. Now, all signs point to a potential return this Sunday.

NBC has flexed the Celtics vs. 76ers matchup into the 8:00 p.m. Celtics vs 76ers primetime slot, a move that has fueled speculation that Tatum will suit up. While the team officially lists him as questionable pending Saturday's 5:00 p.m. injury report, sources close to the team suggest the preparation is real.

The Timeline of Recovery

Tatum's rehab has been meticulous. After practicing with the Maine Celtics G-League affiliate two weeks ago, he has been ramping up 5-on-5 work. "It doesn't mean that I'm coming back or I'm not, it's just following the plan," Tatum told reporters recently. "I just know I feel a little bit better everyday."

With the Celtics sitting at 39-20 and holding the second seed in the East, they haven't needed to rush him. But adding an MVP-caliber talent to a roster that just set NBA shooting records is a terrifying prospect for the rest of the league. Sunday night won't just be a game; it could be the start of Boston's true championship push.