The Boston Celtics cruised to a comfortable 112-98 victory over the Washington Wizards on Sunday night, demonstrating their prowess as defending champions. Jayson Tatum led the charge, scoring 28 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, solidifying his role as one of the league's top players.
Throughout the game, Tatum displayed his scoring ability, especially around the basket, where he racked up 20 points. Although his shooting wasn’t perfect—Tatum finished 12-for-26 from the field and 2-for-9 from beyond the arc—his unnoticed presence was enough to keep the Wizards at bay. "We said it in a timeout: we felt like we were playing like s—, and we were up 19," Tatum said, reflecting on the team's overall play. "Better than playing like s— and being down 19. But as long as you figure out a way to win. Some will feel more satisfying than others, but the main objective is trying to play the right way and coming out with a win."
The Wizards, struggling with their performance this season, found themselves outmatched. They now sit at 3-21 after losing their third straight game. The disparity between the teams was glaring throughout the matchup. The Celtics have depth with star players alongside strong bench contributors, significantly outpacing the Wizards, who are deep in the throes of rebuilding.
Payton Pritchard made headlines for his solid contributions as well. He finished with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, continuing to show he can step up when needed. Pritchard shot 5-for-10 from beyond the arc and has become second in total three-pointers made this season. "I really want to be known as a two-way player. Sometimes I see things saying I’m a defensive liability, and it irks me. Every game I go out and try to prove that's not true," he said, demonstrating his determination to silence critics.
Pritchard's defensive work was notable, as he engaged with Jordan Poole effectively throughout the game. Poole, who led the Wizards with 21 points, had his moments but continued to make questionable decisions. One such moment came midway through the third when he failed to take an open three-pointer after dropping Pritchard with a great move. Instead, he pointed at Pritchard, allowing defender Sam Hauser to get back and contest his shot, which resulted in Poole missing the attempt.
Another concerning aspect of the game was Kristaps Porzingis, who had to leave early due to pain in his right heel. He posted 11 points within just 11 minutes before exiting the match, stating, "I banged up my heel a little bit...I don’t think it’s anything major." With Porzingis' injury history, the Celtics chose to be cautious, especially being up big at the game's halfway point.
The performance from the free-throw line was slightly concerning for the Celtics, who finished 14-for-24 overall. Jaylen Brown particularly struggled, going 1-for-4 by the time the final whistle blew, and Luke Kornet also missed three attempts. Head Coach Joe Mazzulla commented on the necessity of maintaining form during games against weaker opponents.
Throughout the match, after being tied early at 21, the Celtics strung together key runs, including one of 15-0, propelled by Tatum and facilitated by the bench. Their efforts not only satisfied the need for the win but showcased the depth and versatility within the dynamics of their gameplay.
After this victory, the Celtics aim for consistency as they prepare for their upcoming matches against the Chicago Bulls, representing another chance to solidify their position at the top of the league. With three days off before facing the Bulls, the Celtics look to rest up and strategize for what lies ahead.
It will be interesting to see how Tatum and his teammates—especially with the potential absence of Porzingis—will manage their performance as the championship season rolls on. Given the current momentum, they might just find themselves making another strong push before the playoffs.
