Following an inspiring ring ceremony and a season-opening win over the Knicks, the Boston Celtics set their sights on a second victory as they traveled to Washington. Despite some first-half struggles on defense, the Celtics adjusted and ultimately overpowered the Wizards with a decisive 122-102 win. This victory marks a 2-0 start for Boston, as they focus on building momentum early in the season.
Jayson Tatum continued his impressive performance, contributing 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists. Alongside him, Jaylen Brown, celebrating his birthday, and Derrick White combined for a formidable 46 points. Off the bench, Payton Pritchard added depth with five three-pointers. For the Wizards, Jordan Poole led with 26 points after a strong start, and Jonas Valanciunas added 18 off the bench.
The Celtics’ offense was sharp, scoring 33 points in the first quarter, largely driven by Tatum’s 14-point burst. However, their defense faltered as Poole scored 17 points in the first quarter, keeping the Wizards within reach. Washington capitalized on Boston’s defensive lapses, scoring consistently in the paint and even catching the Celtics off-guard with a wide-open dunk for Kuzma. Despite these challenges, Boston entered halftime with a 64-54 lead.
Boston took full control in the second half, led by Brown’s shooting spree in the fourth quarter, which expanded their lead to 29 points. The core rotation took a break as rookie Baylor Scheierman made his debut, scoring his first NBA points with a layup and two free throws. The Celtics now prepare for their next game against the Detroit Pistons, hoping to extend their winning streak.
