Boston gets big boost ahead of playoffs, Nikola Vučević returns: I felt good enough to go out and play

After a month off, Montenegrin basketball player Nikola Vučević returned to the court. The NBA ace recovered from a broken finger and played in Boston's win over Toronto last night (115:101).

In 13 minutes on the court, Vučević had four points, four rebounds, and one assist. But more important than his performance is the fact that the Montenegrin basketball giant has fully recovered from surgery and will be a big boost for the Celtics when the playoffs begin.

"After I had surgery, the plan was to be out for four weeks. The game against Toronto coincided with my return date, so everything went according to plan. I felt good on the court. I felt good enough to go out and play," Vučević said after the game.

The NBA regular season is entering its final stretch, followed by the playoffs. Vučević's recovery will be of great importance for the famous franchise, and the Montenegrin ace is focused on making everything as simple as possible, both for him and the team.

"I'm trying to find my way. The more I play with the guys, I'll learn their habits, as they learn mine, and it will come naturally," Vučević pointed out.

Vučević was injured in the game against Dallas. It was also the first game for Jayson Tatum, who returned from a serious injury.

"Obviously JT and I haven't played enough time together. But we're both playing at a great level and I think we'll get along quickly. It would have been great if I had played last month, but what is - it is. We'll try to get the most out of the next few games before the playoffs start," said Vučević.

Before the injury, Vučević played 12 games for the Celtics since arriving from Chicago, and then missed 14 games due to injury.

"It was good. We have to continue to work on his adjustment. He just wants to win. He's been in the league a long time. The most important thing is for him to be aggressive enough, so we have the best version of him," said Boston coach Joe Mazula.

According to him, Vučević will have no problem winning a place in the team.

"His role on defense is to control the racket and defend the pick-and-roll. And on offense, to be dynamic. We don't know how other teams will defend when he's in the game, so we have to adapt to that in real time," Mazula pointed out.