Jaylen Brown led the Boston Celtics to a 108-96 win over the Washington Wizards in an NBA Cup showdown Friday night, scoring a game-high 31 points.
Despite an uncharacteristically cold shooting night from Jayson Tatum, Boston improved to 2-1 in East Group C with one game left in the competition, while Washington dropped to 0-2 and extended its losing streak to 10 games.
Brown’s offensive brilliance carried the Celtics through a tightly contested matchup, particularly in the final moments when his clutch jumper with 46 seconds remaining put Boston up 99-92. The shot was the dagger in what had been a determined effort from a struggling Wizards team that refused to go away quietly.
Tatum, typically Boston’s offensive centerpiece, had an off night, missing all 10 of his 3-point attempts and finishing with 16 points. However, a pair of free throws in the closing seconds allowed him to extend his streak of scoring at least 15 points to 55 consecutive games, the third-longest active streak in the league.
On the Wizards’ side, Jordan Poole paced his team with 23 points. Washington showed resilience, particularly in the paint, where they outscored Boston 52-30. But their struggles from beyond the arc (7 of 28) and inability to capitalize on opportunities ultimately sealed their fate.
Boston’s win came despite missing key frontcourt players, as both Al Horford (non-COVID illness) and Kristaps Porziņģis were unavailable. In their absence, Luke Kornet stepped up, contributing six points and six rebounds on perfect shooting. While his numbers weren’t flashy, Kornet provided much-needed size and stability in the paint.
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For the Wizards, this game represented a missed chance to exploit a shorthanded Celtics team. Kyle Kuzma, who has been a key player for Washington this season, missed a critical close-range shot in the fourth quarter. On the ensuing possession, Tatum hit a jumper, turning what could have been a two-point deficit into an eight-point Boston lead.
Neither team shot well from long distance, with Boston going 11 of 46 from 3-point range. Yet the Celtics’ defensive intensity and clutch execution down the stretch made the difference. Brown’s ability to find his rhythm when Tatum struggled highlighted the depth of Boston’s roster and their ability to win even when not at their best.
Washington’s offensive inconsistencies continue to plague them. While their dominance in the paint was notable, their inability to match Boston’s execution in key moments proved costly. The Wizards’ 10-game skid now casts a long shadow over their season, as they search for answers on both ends of the court.
The Celtics’ victory was not without its challenges, but it showcased their resilience and adaptability. Brown’s leadership and scoring touch have been pivotal, particularly in tight games like this one, as Boston looks to secure a strong position in the NBA Cup standings.
Looking ahead, the Celtics will return home to face Minnesota on Sunday, aiming to build on this momentum. Meanwhile, the Wizards head to Indiana, hoping to snap their double-digit losing streak and find a way to turn their season around.
This game may not have featured Boston at their best, but it was a testament to their depth and ability to grind out wins when faced with adversity. As for Washington, their effort was commendable, but until they can translate those efforts into victories, their struggles are likely to continue.