Kyrie Sucks: Celtics Lose to Mavs, 127-120

Can't say they didn't try. Just like on Sunday, the Celtics fell way behind in this game, trailing 104-83 after three quarters and then trailing by as many as 27 early in the fourth. But then, just like on Sunday, they mounted a comeback and outscored the Mavs 30-10 in the last nine minutes. But unlike Sunday, it wasn't enough and there was no dramatic Tatum buzzer-beater to clinch the game, and Dallas won by seven.

Jaylen Brown of the Celtics and Klay Thompson of the Mavs both led their respective teams with 25 points. Flat-earth theorist and one-time Celtic Kyrie Irving scored 19. Fortunately for the Celtics, Kyrie's new teammate Anthony Davis sat this one out and hasn't yet made his Maverick's debut - the score could have been much worse with Davis in the lineup.

The Celtics are 36-16 and still lead the Atlantic by 1½ games. They trail the Conference-leading Cavs by 5½ in  the East.  

They head to Madison Square Garden next for a Saturday-night game to defend their division lead over the Knicks.