The Boston Celtics celebrated their recent NBA championship at the White House last Thursday before quickly shifting focus back to the court. The team demonstrated their champion-level focus by defeating the Washington Wizards 108-96 the very next day. This regular-season victory in Washington was crucial for their NBA Cup ambitions, showcasing a seamless transition from celebration to competition.
From Celebration to Competition
The Celtics’ visit to the White House was a memorable occasion, honoring their hard-fought championship from last June. Players enjoyed the recognition, mingling with political figures in a ceremony that celebrated their success. However, the glamour of the event was quickly replaced by the grit of a regular-season game.
Just a day later, they faced a struggling Washington Wizards team, a matchup that could have been a classic trap game. Instead, the Celtics displayed the resilience and professionalism of a championship squad. They handled the quick turnaround with ease, proving their focus remains on the current season’s goals. The win improved their record in NBA Cup group play to 2-1, keeping them in contention for the quarterfinals.
Jaylen Brown Leads the Charge Despite Team Shooting Woes
Jaylen Brown was the undeniable star of the night for Boston. He delivered a powerful double-double with 31 points and 11 rebounds, carrying the offensive load. His performance was critical, especially as the Wizards tried to rally in the second half.
While Brown excelled, Jayson Tatum had a tough night shooting the ball, going 6 for 19 from the field and missing all 10 of his three-point attempts. Despite his shooting struggles, he contributed in other ways with 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists. The team as a whole had an off night from deep, making only 11 of their 46 three-point shots.
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Three-Pointers Made |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jaylen Brown | 31 | 11 | 2 | 2 |
| Jayson Tatum | 16 | 9 | 8 | 0 |
| Sam Hauser | 12 | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| Malcolm Brogdon | 18 | 5 | 4 | 1 |
Defensive Prowess and Wizards’ Errors Make the Difference
Boston’s victory wasn’t built on pretty shooting but on tough, opportunistic defense. The Wizards couldn’t get out of their own way, committing an astounding 20 turnovers throughout the game. These mistakes gave the Celtics numerous extra possessions, which they used to maintain and extend their lead.
The Celtics’ defense was particularly effective in the second half, locking down the Wizards and creating scoring droughts. At one point, Washington was held scoreless for a five-minute stretch, which effectively ended their comeback hopes.
- Bench Contribution: Sam Hauser and Payton Pritchard provided a vital spark off the bench, combining to shoot perfectly in the final minutes of the first half to build a cushion.
- Turnover Conversion: The Celtics consistently turned Washington’s mistakes into points, a key factor in a game where their own offense was inconsistent.
- Paint Protection: Luke Kornet offered a strong defensive presence inside, deterring the Wizards from getting easy baskets at the rim.
This collective defensive effort highlighted the team’s depth and commitment on both ends of the floor.
Smart Coaching Secures a Meaningful Win
Coach Joe Mazzulla played a key role in the game’s final moments. With point differential being a critical tiebreaker in NBA Cup play, Mazzulla made a savvy decision to call a timeout with just under six seconds remaining and a 10-point lead. This strategic move ensured the Celtics protected their margin of victory.
The decision reflects a forward-thinking approach, as the team is not just focused on winning individual games but also on positioning themselves for the later stages of the tournament. Mazzulla’s game management kept the team composed and focused on execution down the stretch. The win keeps the Celtics’ postseason hopes very much alive as they look to build on their championship mentality throughout the season.
