The Boston Celtics kicked off their first road game of the season with another dominant performance. Having won all four games against Washington last season, Boston proved once again they were operating on a higher level, crushing the Wizards 122-102 on October 25.
Jaylen Brown led the charge for the Celtics, dropping a game-high 27 points on 50% shooting, while also grabbing 8 rebounds and snatching 4 steals. Jayson Tatum flirted with a triple-double, adding 25 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists. Derrick White stayed hot, chipping in 19 points, while shooting 4 of 7 from three-point range.
Jordan Poole stood out for the Wizards, putting up 26 points, 4 assists, and 4 steals in an otherwise tough night for the team. Veteran big man Jonas Valanciunas chipped in 18 points. Meanwhile, Rookie Alex Sarr faced a challenging start to his young NBA career. The highly touted No. 2 pick was limited to just 2 points and 5 rebounds, shooting a disappointing 1 for 7 from the field. The Celtics, who boasted the second-best defensive rating in the league last season, were just too much for the newcomer.
Jordan Poole Started Hot But The Celtics Battle Back.
The Wizards surprised us with a strong start, racing out to a (22-14) lead following a three-pointer from Jordan Poole, who had 17 points early on. However, Jayson Tatum and the Celtics quickly regrouped, battling back to snatch a one-point lead.
The second quarter stayed competitive as Washington regained the lead at (51-49) following another three-pointer from Poole. But the Celtics seized control, igniting a 15-3 run to pull ahead and finish the half with a 10-point lead.
But the second half spiraled into a nightmare for Washington. Boston took charge in the third quarter, unleashing a commanding 16-4 run that established a significant lead at (80-58). Payton Pritchard then caught fire, sinking three three-pointers that pushed the margin to 24. Things only worsened for the Wizards on the fourth as the onslaught continued. Boston relentlessly ramped up the attack, with the lead swelling to a staggering 32 points (113-81).
The Celtics would face the Pistons next on October 27 at 7:00 am PST.