Sunday’s matchup between one group with 57 wins and one other with 17 unfolded precisely as one would count on.
The Celtics bullied the Wizards on the glass and drilled a gentle stream of 3-pointers, working away with a convincing 124-90 triumph at TD Backyard.
Listed below are 10 takeaways:
1. Balanced scoring
For a lot of groups, taking part in with out two of their three main scorers may probably be problematic.
For the Celtics, who have 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 serious cause why.
He received the beginning and was a risk on the rim and lively defensively from the leap. 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 turn out 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 gained’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 stated.
Derrick White on Luke Kornet:-“He’s unbelievable. Simply appears to at all times be in the proper place. He simply kinda makes the sport simpler for everyone. If there’s a miss, you at all times know huge Luke is down there, most definitely going to get a hand on it or somethings gonna occur. He’s… pic.twitter.com/RdwI6K6JX2
— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) April 7, 2025
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 a degree to upfake, let defenders fly by and assault the rim.
“Everybody is aware of he’s a terrific shooter, however he’s not outlined by that,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla stated. “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 – essentially the most they’ve had in a win since 2000.
The Wizards aren’t an excellent basketball group, which is after all an element right here, however the Celtics deserve credit score for crashing the glass early and sometimes.
The Celtics grabbed a season-high 25 offensive rebounds tonight vs. Washington.
Their earlier season-high was 19.
— Celtics Stats (@celtics_stats) April 7, 2025
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 pictures 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 stunned 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. Move-first Jaylen
Brown solely tried 9 pictures, but nonetheless managed to have an effect on the sport in a wide range of methods.
Maybe he dove on the ground for unfastened balls just a few too many instances, given his lingering knee harm, however his coronary heart’s the proper place.
He had 4 assists within the first quarter and completed with 5 general. Brown is averaging a profession excessive 4.6 assists, and his head coach has taken discover.
“Jaylen’s on the prime of the listing in that mentality, simply at all times discovering one other option to get higher,” Mazzulla stated.
He additionally dished out T-shirts to followers within the second half, however White wasn’t overly impressed.
Derrick White on Jaylen Brown throwing t-shirts into the group:-“I used to be a little bit upset. He didn’t have a sensible manner of doing it. He was throwing it after which the spin was knocking it down. He wanted to throw a spiral. I gotta assist him out.”#celtics #bostonceltics pic.twitter.com/OTYlgPJvMQ
— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) April 7, 2025
7. No Good
Followers gave Marcus Good an enormous 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.
Good appeared to have a quick verbal spat with a fan, however for essentially the most half, it was a optimistic reception.
He chatted with White within the hallway after the sport and seemed 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 ideally suited, however it 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 trying 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 part he does is cool, however I believe he’s doing numerous different stuff for us that’s serving to us win video games and has actually created some extra alternatives for him,” White stated.
9. Resting starters
It is going to be attention-grabbing to see which Celtics play within the remaining 4 video games. This time of yr may be tough. Relaxation and restoration are essential, however so are rhythm and stream.
Mazzulla will doubtless proceed to combine and match which Celtics play over the subsequent few video games as they gear up for an additional playoff run.
10. Redhot general
The Celtics have gained two straight, 11 of 12 and 16 of 18, They’re taking part in a few of their greatest basketball of the season, and it seems doubtless they’ll have momentum heading into the playoffs.
“I believe we’re doing a great job of simply looking for methods to win,” White stated.
They’ve 4 extra regular-season video games, then the wait is lastly over. It’s nearly that point of yr.
