In a tightly contested clash, the Boston Celtics secured a 108-96 victory over the Washington Wizards in the NBA Cup on Friday night, backed by Jaylen Brown’s stellar performance scoring 31 points. This win brings the Celtics’ record to 2-1 in East Group C, while the Wizards remain winless at 0-2, marking their tenth consecutive loss overall.
Despite Jayson Tatum’s struggles, shooting 0 for 10 from three-point range and finishing with 16 points, he managed to maintain his scoring streak of 55 consecutive games with at least 15 points thanks to back-to-back free throws late in the game. The Wizards showed resilience, particularly in the paint, where they outscored Boston 52-30.
A notable moment occurred in the fourth quarter when Kyle Kuzma missed a crucial shot that could have sparked a comeback for Washington. Shortly after, Tatum’s jumper widened the Celtics’ lead and shifted momentum decisively.
Despite missing key players like Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis, Boston’s Luke Kornet contributed valuable minutes, scoring six points and grabbing six rebounds without a miss from the field. On the other hand, Jordan Poole led the Wizards with 23 points, though both teams struggled with their long-range shooting, combining for only 18 successful three-pointers out of 74 attempts.
Looking ahead, the Celtics will return to Boston to face the Minnesota Timberwolves, while Washington heads to Indiana, aiming to break their losing streak.
This matchup not only highlighted individual talent but also demonstrated the Celtics’ depth and resilience as they continue to adapt to challenges on the court. Fans can take heart that, despite some struggles, Boston’s ability to secure a win even on an off night speaks volumes about their potential this season.