The Boston Celtics achieved a gritty 108-96 victory over the Washington Wizards on Friday night, marking their second consecutive win in NBA Cup pool play. With this triumph, the Celtics improved their record to 2-1 in the NBA Cup.
Though considered heavy favorites against a Wizards team struggling with nine consecutive losses, the Celtics faced unexpected challenges. Despite a sluggish shooting performance from stars Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum—who combined to shoot just 3-of-23 from three-point range—Boston managed to stay competitive. Brown, however, shined with a game-high 31 points and contributed 11 rebounds, keeping the Celtics in the game with effective scoring inside the arc.
The Celtics benefited from strong contributions from their bench. Sam Hauser had a standout performance, scoring 13 points, while Payton Pritchard and Luke Kornet also played pivotal roles in maintaining momentum. Derrick White added critical scoring in the fourth quarter, ensuring a solid separation from the Wizards in the final moments of the game. Boston’s defensive efforts turned 20 Wizards turnovers into 23 points, showcasing the team’s ability to capitalize on opponents’ mistakes.
Looking ahead, the Celtics will return to Boston for a home game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday afternoon.
Key Highlights from the Celtics’ Victory:
1. **Kornet and Tillman Step Up**: With Al Horford out due to illness, Luke Kornet returned to the rotation after recently being sidelined. He played a vital role in anchoring the defense, finishing with a team-best plus-11 in the first half. Xavier Tillman also made a notable impact with his defensive versatility toward the game’s conclusion.
2. **Offensive Struggles**: Despite having numerous open opportunities against a weaker Wizards defense, the Celtics’ shooting was noticeably off. Tatum ended the night without a three-pointer, going 0-of-10. The team shot a mere 26.9 percent from beyond the arc in the first half. However, the bench’s efficiency provided a much-needed boost.
3. **NBA Cup Continued Pursuit**: This victory keeps the Celtics’ hopes alive in NBA Cup pool play as they prepare for their final game in Chicago next week. To advance to the knockout rounds, they will likely need a convincing win in that matchup.
4. **Brogdon’s Strong Showing Against Former Team**: Malcolm Brogdon, playing against the Celtics for the first time since his trade, put forth a spirited effort. He recorded a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, highlighting his potential value as the Wizards look toward a rebuild.
While the Celtics faced difficulties in their shooting and offensive flow, their resilience and contributions from key players illustrate their determination to push through challenges. The team’s ability to harness bench power and defensive strength suggests that they remain a formidable contender in the league. With upcoming games ahead, there’s an optimistic outlook for the Celtics as they continue to find their rhythm and sharpen their skills for the season.