The phrase “Winning ugly” often describes a scenario in which a team doesn’t perform well statistically yet still manages to secure a victory. The Boston Celtics exhibited this in their 122-102 triumph over the Washington Wizards, presenting a mixed bag of performance.
From the onset, Boston’s play starkly contrasted with their vibrant display on Opening Night. They struggled with energy, ball movement, and found themselves entangled in a contest against a struggling Wizards team led by Jordan Poole. However, despite the sluggish start, the Celtics entered the second quarter with a narrow one-point lead, thanks in large part to Jayson Tatum’s impressive 14 points in the first quarter.
As the game unfolded, Boston shot 46.7% from the field and committed six turnovers by halftime, double their previous game total. Coach Joe Mazzulla attributed the team’s slow start to high emotions from their previous game, suggesting it took time to adjust to the game’s pace.
By the break, however, the Celtics extended their lead to double digits, and after halftime, they pushed it to as much as 32 points. While the Wizards are notably a weaker team in the NBA, the Celtics effectively increased their intensity, made smarter decisions, and capitalized on their strengths.
Boston’s frontcourt excelled in offensive rebounding, accruing 19 second-chance points from 12 offensive boards. Neemias Queta, who energized the bench, contributed significantly with 12 points and seven rebounds in just 14 minutes. Mazzulla praised Queta for his pivotal role, recalling his contributions in the previous season’s victories.
Teammate Derrick White also recognized Queta’s effort, noting that he seemed to grab every offensive rebound available. This performance illustrated how Boston’s teamwork and strategic play altered the game’s progression.
While this victory may not be one for the history books, it exemplified Boston’s cohesive play and ability to work collaboratively. The collective effort was evident through improved ball movement and focused defense, reinforcing their control over the game. Additionally, it was noteworthy to see Wizards players, apart from Poole, struggle significantly, shooting just 1-25 from three-point range.