The Washington Wizards, only 11th in the Eastern Conference, but still in the running for one of the last qualifying places for the play-in, clearly beat the Boston Celtics (130-111), second in the same conference, Tuesday at home, in the NBA regular season. This is the first time this season that the US capital franchise has won against the Celtics. She also won, still being deprived of two of her major players: Bradley Beal (left knee pain) and Kyle Kuzma (sprained right ankle).
Washington made a gap for the first time at the end of the first quarter (29-20, 11th). Boston then returned to the score, but the Wizards had again escaped at the break (64-51). They were no longer worried afterwards, slipping away from their opponent and having a 22-point lead (82-60, 29th). It’s only Washington’s third victory in its last 10 outings. For the Celtics, it’s a series of three consecutive successes that came to an end.
Double-double pour Porzingis et Avdija
In the absence of Beal and Kuzma, the Washington Wizards relied on Kristaps Porzingis, their Latvian pivot, author of a double-double with 32 points (14/21 in shooting including 3/5 at 3 points) and 13 rebounds , and Deni Avdija, their Israeli winger, who also “doubled” (25 points and 10 rebounds). On the side of the Boston Celtics, Jayson Tatum was the most effective (28 pts), while Jaylen Brown scored 18 pts.
After Tuesday’s game, the two teams remained unchanged in the Eastern Conference standings. Boston is two wins behind the Milwaukee Bucks, leaders and best team of the NBA season. The Celtics will also challenge them at home on Thursday. Friday, Washington will return to the courts, against the Orlando Magic.
