On a night where the Boston Celtics were notably short-handed, Sam Hauser stepped up spectacularly, achieving NBA career highs with 30 points and an impressive 10 3-pointers. This standout performance guided the Celtics to a commanding 130-104 victory against the Washington Wizards, showcasing Boston’s depth and shooting prowess.
Jayson Tatum matched Hauser’s scoring output with 30 points, including six 3-pointers, as the Celtics demonstrated their long-range capabilities by hitting 24 shots from beyond the arc. Despite missing three starters, Boston maintained control from start to finish, with Payton Pritchard contributing 14 points and 13 assists.
“That’s why we have that stay-ready group, frankly, for days like this,” Tatum emphasized the team’s readiness to perform even when key players are sidelined. “We can just plug in certain guys in certain positions and moments. And the expectation is that we don’t skip a beat.”
The Celtics faced the Wizards without Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porzingis, all sidelined due to injuries. Nevertheless, Tatum, who had been questionable with an ankle issue, played his 31st consecutive game, while Hauser made the most of his 16th career start.
“I loved his confidence, I loved his aggressiveness,” praised Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla. “I loved how guys looked for him. He got his shots within the flow of our execution. And that’s the weapon that he is.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Sam Hauser, Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, Jordan Poole, Washington Wizards Updates
Hauser’s shooting spree was cut short as he left the game with an ankle injury, raising concerns about his condition. “I haven’t heard anything,” Mazzulla shared postgame, indicating that Hauser was undergoing precautionary X-rays.
The Celtics were particularly effective from long distance in the first half, going 17 for 28 from the 3-point line. They maintained a high shooting percentage, despite benching their starters early in the third quarter.
On the opposing side, Jordan Poole led the Wizards with 31 points in a challenging game for the NBA’s lowest-ranked team, which was missing four starters, including rookie Bilal Coulibaly.
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Sam Hauser, Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, Jordan Poole, Washington Wizards Updates
The Celtics established a significant lead early on, with Tatum scoring 18 points in the first quarter, contributing to their highest-scoring opening period of the season. Tatum also assisted Hauser in tying and then setting a new personal best for 3-pointers in a single game.
Hauser continued his remarkable performance into the second half, with his teammates encouraging him to chase the Celtics’ record for made 3s in a game and the NBA’s all-time record.
“I know Klay did it and it was pretty impressive,” Celtics forward Al Horford said. “Us shooters, we know those records. … We’re very aware of it and were pulling for Sam.”
NBA NEWS & SCORES: Sam Hauser, Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics, Jordan Poole, Washington Wizards Updates
As both teams prepare for their next matchups, the Celtics look to carry the momentum of this victory into their game against Detroit, while the Wizards aim to bounce back against Houston.
