The night Jayson Tatum made his season debut, just 1:47 into his first-quarter shift against the Dallas Mavericks, Nikola Vucevic suffered a right ring finger fracture.
The two-time All-Star isn't quite sure how the injury occurred. Speaking with the media ahead of the Boston Celtics' 117-112 win against the Memphis Grizzlies, Vucevic provided a progress report on his recovery.
"So far, I haven't had much pain or anything; everything has been going well," he said. "The swelling is coming down, and [I've] been working [on] the range of motion. So, hopefully, the X-ray is clean at three weeks, and I can start doing some stuff and just getting back to being comfortable and building strength in the hand."
Fortunately, the six-foot-nine center can still do some on-court work and maintain his conditioning as his finger heals. Regarding his activity on the hardwood, when he does so, he dons a bulkier brace than the one Vucevic wears while watching his new team play from the sideline.
The 15th-year veteran is hoping to return in time to get a few regular-season games in before the playoffs. In the meantime, the individual Boston is leaning on in Vucevic's absence is stepping up.
Luka Garza is sending a clear message
Including the night Vucevic got injured in the first quarter against the Mavericks, Garza is producing 9.7 points and 3.6 rebounds, including 2.1 at the offensive end of the floor, while logging 18.1 minutes per contest. He's also knocking down 40.7 percent of the 3.0 shots he is launching from beyond the arc.
In that stretch, the Celtics have registered a 6-3 record. That includes a 117-112 victory vs. the Memphis Grizzlies. That night, Garza generated 22 points, his most with Boston. He also snagged seven rebounds, including five at the offensive end. He was one of the stars of the matchup, helping his team rally in the final frame.
Even when he falls out of the rotation for stretches, like after the Celtics acquired Vucevic at the trade deadline, the fifth-year center consistently capitalizes on his opportunities.
For the season, Garza's 2.3 offensive rebounds and 2.4 screen assists per game are second on the team behind Neemias Queta. The C's starting center plays about 10 minutes more per contest.
Between that, his reliable three-point shooting, and the relentless energy he plays with, Garza has made it abundantly clear that, even with questions about what the Celtics will get from Vucevic upon returning, specifically in the playoffs, they have another reliable option who is ready to step up when opportunities come his way.