BOSTON (AP) — Jayson Tatum scored 20 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in a season-high 32 minutes of action, and the Boston Celtics held off a late charge to defeat the Washington Wizards 111-100 on Saturday night. The win snapped a two-game losing streak for Boston and extended Washington’s losing streak to 11 games.
Neemias Queta added 24 points and 10 rebounds for the Celtics, contributing significantly to their dominant performance. Tatum secured his second double-double since returning from Achilles tendon surgery earlier this month, showcasing his increasing comfort and effectiveness as he regains his form.
Jaylen Brown chipped in with 16 points, providing crucial support for Boston. The Celtics built a commanding 30-point lead in the third quarter, allowing coach Joe Mazzulla the opportunity to extend Tatum’s playing time as he continues his rehabilitation. Tatum had been limited to 27 minutes in his previous three games following his return.
The Wizards, fresh off a dramatic overtime loss to the Orlando Magic on Thursday where they overcame a 17-point deficit, attempted a similar comeback against Boston. They managed to trim the Celtics’ lead to 12 points in the fourth quarter, but a key layup from Tatum and a three-pointer from Sam Hauser helped seal the victory for Boston.
Tristan Vukcevic led the Wizards with 22 points. Washington struggled to contain the Celtics’ inside presence, with Boston finishing with a 54-30 advantage in points in the paint. The Celtics’ early focus on exploiting the Wizards’ vulnerability in the paint proved effective, with Queta and Luka Garza both capitalizing on opportunities close to the basket.
Garza finished with 15 points in 15 minutes, while Queta’s strong performance included 22 points in the first half alone. Washington’s 7-footer, Alex Sarr, didn’t register a point until late in the second quarter, highlighting Boston’s defensive success in limiting his impact.
This game marked Tatum’s continued progression after a significant injury. His increased minutes are a clear indication of the Celtics’ confidence in his recovery and their desire to integrate him fully back into the team’s rotation as they approach the postseason. The Celtics are carefully managing Tatum’s workload, balancing the require for him to regain game shape with the importance of preserving his health for the long season ahead.
The Wizards, meanwhile, continue to search for answers as they navigate a challenging season. Their 11-game losing streak underscores the difficulties they face, and they will need to identify ways to improve their consistency and execution on both ends of the court.
Up next, the Wizards will host the Golden State Warriors on Monday, while the Celtics will welcome the Phoenix Suns to Boston on the same day. These upcoming matchups will provide both teams with opportunities to assess their progress and make adjustments as they continue their respective seasons.
The Celtics’ victory over the Wizards demonstrates their resilience and depth, even as they integrate a key player back into the lineup. Their ability to build a substantial lead and withstand Washington’s late rally speaks to their overall strength and their commitment to playing a complete game. For the Wizards, the loss serves as a reminder of the challenges they face and the work that remains to be done.
Key Takeaways:
- Jayson Tatum’s season-high 32 minutes signal his increasing comfort and integration back into the Celtics’ lineup.
- Neemias Queta’s strong performance off the bench, with 24 points and 10 rebounds, provided a significant boost for Boston.
- The Wizards’ 11-game losing streak highlights their ongoing struggles and the need for improvement.
The Celtics will look to continue their winning ways when they face the Phoenix Suns on Monday at TD Garden in Boston. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM EST (00:30 UTC). Fans can catch the game on NBC Sports Boston and NBA League Pass.
