In a competitive NBA Cup matchup, the Boston Celtics triumphed over the Washington Wizards with a score of 108-96. Jaylen Brown spearheaded the Celtics’ efforts, contributing 31 points despite Jayson Tatum having a challenging night, not making any of his 10 attempts from three-point range but still securing 16 points overall. This victory improved the Celtics’ record to 2-1 in East Group C, while the Wizards fell to 0-2, marking their tenth consecutive loss overall.
The game featured a notable presence in the crowd, including recently injured Capitals star Alex Ovechkin. The Wizards managed to keep the game close, narrowing the gap to five points late in the fourth quarter. However, Brown’s timely jumper with 46 seconds to go proved crucial in sealing the win for Boston. Despite struggling on three-pointers, they finished with 11 out of 46 attempts, while the Wizards fared slightly better at 7 of 28.
In terms of roster challenges, the Celtics played without Al Horford due to illness and Kristaps Porzingis, relying on players like Luke Kornet, who added six points and six rebounds. The Wizards did excel in the paint, outscoring the Celtics 52-30, but this game was an opportunity missed for Washington, especially given Boston’s off night.
Looking ahead, the Celtics will face the Minnesota Timberwolves at home on Sunday, while the Wizards are set to play against the Indiana Pacers on the same day.
This game highlights the Celtics’ resilience, even when key players are absent or underperforming. The continued scoring streak of Jayson Tatum positions him among the best in the league, giving fans hope as the season progresses. The next matchups are crucial as both teams look to build momentum moving forward.