10 takeaways as Celtics flatten Wizards behind balanced effort

Sunday’s matchup between one staff with 57 wins and one other with 17 unfolded precisely as one would anticipate.

The Celtics bullied the Wizards on the glass and drilled a gradual stream of 3-pointers, operating away with a convincing 124-90 triumph at TD Backyard.

Listed below are 10 takeaways:

1. Balanced scoring

For a lot of groups, enjoying with out two of their three main scorers may doubtlessly be problematic.

For the Celtics, who had been with out Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis on Sunday, it was enterprise as common. Boston has leaned on its depth all season, and this one was no exception.

Seven Celtics completed in double figures: Payton Pritchard (20), Derrick White (19), Sam Hauser (18), Jaylen Brown (15), Luke Kornet (13), Jrue Vacation (13) and Al Horford (11).

2. Kornet about it

Kornet has established himself as a fan favourite in Boston, and video games like this one are a significant cause why.

He acquired the beginning and was a risk on the rim and lively defensively from the bounce. Kornet completed 6 of 9 and added 14 rebounds and three assists. He helped set the tone early and ensured the Celtics didn’t let the sport grow to be nearer than it needed to be.

On one sequence, Kornet deflected the ball off a member of the Wizards and pointed Boston’s manner to make sure everybody knew whose ball it was. He then completed inside and turned to the dependable canine bark celebration.

Kornet received’t win the award, however he actually is likely one of the NBA’s most improved gamers.

“He simply makes the sport simpler for everyone,” White mentioned.

3. Versatile Hauser

Hauser hit 4 3-pointers and shot 7 of 12 from the sector, however as soon as once more, he wasn’t a one-trick pony.

He grabbed eight boards, together with six defensive rebounds, and blocked a shot in 22 minutes. Hauser additionally showcased his versatility, making some extent to upfake, let defenders fly by and assault the rim.

“Everybody is aware of he’s an incredible shooter, however he’s not outlined by that,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla mentioned. “I believe one factor that he’s drastically improved this yr is his rebounding.”

4. Resounding rebounding

Hauser’s success on the boards illuminated a bigger pattern on the night, because the Celtics racked up 62 rebounds in comparison with 32 for the Wizards. Sure, 62 to 32.

That included 25 offensive boards – probably the most they’ve had in a win since 2000.

The Wizards aren’t an excellent basketball staff, which is in fact an element right here, however the Celtics deserve credit score for crashing the glass early and infrequently.

5. Look out for Torrey Craig

Earlier than the sport, Torrey Craig took time to play catch with followers within the stands. One go from a fan nearly knocked over a close-by beer, however Craig was undeterred.

On the ground, he swatted three photographs and had eight rebounds himself in 16 minutes. Craig is a priceless participant on a championship-caliber roster. He’s versatile defensively, makes well timed hustle performs and is a greater shooter than he will get credit score for.

Don’t be shocked if there’s a recreation or two within the playoffs the place the Celtics are in a rut and he helps steer them to victory.

6. Go-first Jaylen

Brown solely tried 9 photographs, but nonetheless managed to have an effect on the sport in quite a lot of methods.

Maybe he dove on the ground for free balls a number of too many instances, given his lingering knee damage, however his coronary heart’s the correct place.

He had 4 assists within the first quarter and completed with 5 total. Brown is averaging a profession excessive 4.6 assists, and his head coach has taken discover.

“Jaylen’s on the prime of the record in that mentality, simply at all times discovering one other option to get higher,” Mazzulla mentioned.

He additionally dished out T-shirts to followers within the second half, however White wasn’t overly impressed.

7. No Sensible

Followers gave Marcus Sensible a giant ovation when he made his option to the bench earlier than the sport. They chanted “We wish Marcus!” within the fourth quarter, however Wizards coach Brian Keefe didn’t budge.

Sensible appeared to have a quick verbal spat with a fan, however for probably the most half, it was a constructive reception.

He chatted with White within the hallway after the sport and gave the impression to be in good spirits.

8. Showman Scheierman

Baylor Scheierman had a heck of a sequence within the third quarter, hitting a 3, delivering a behind-the-back go to Jrue Vacation, then splashing one other 3 in a span of a minute.

Scheierman had 4 turnovers in 21 minutes, which clearly isn’t best, but it surely exhibits he’s getting extra snug. Early within the season, Scheierman principally caught the ball and instantly shot it or gave it up.

Now, he’s seeking to make performs and get others concerned. He’s a shooter, however he’s additionally a heck of a passer. He’s nonetheless determining when to take dangers and when to make the straightforward play, however that can include time.

“The flashy passes and every thing he does is cool, however I believe he’s doing quite a lot of different stuff for us that’s serving to us win video games and has actually created some extra alternatives for him,” White mentioned.

9. Resting starters

It will likely be fascinating to see which Celtics play within the ultimate 4 video games. This time of yr might be tough. Relaxation and restoration are necessary, however so are rhythm and circulate.

Mazzulla will probably proceed to combine and match which Celtics play over the subsequent few video games as they gear up for one more playoff run.

10. Redhot total

The Celtics have received two straight, 11 of 12 and 16 of 18, They’re enjoying a few of their finest basketball of the season, and it seems probably they’ll have momentum heading into the playoffs.

“I believe we’re doing a superb job of simply looking for methods to win,” White mentioned.

They’ve 4 extra regular-season video games, then the wait is lastly over. It’s nearly that point of yr.