Washington kickstarted their season on Thursday night against the reigning champion Celtics, who dominated the knicks on opening night. A new look Wizards squad featured three new rookies – including second overall pick Alex Sarr – and looked exciting. The Jays played fantastically – especially in the first half- to gain control, and the quality this Boston team possesses ultimately shone through and the Celtics ran away with the win.
The first quarter was a masterclass in shot creation and making from both Jordan Poole and Derrick White. Poole showed flashes of his 2022 championship form, nailing five shots from beyond the arc and scoring 17 points in the period. White played the situation perfectly, dragging the Celtics back into the game after a 12-0 run by Washington, who led by one after the first.
Jayson Tatum continued exactly where he left off on Tuesday night, and undoubtedly had the play of the game. He welcomed Sarr to the NBA, mesmerising him with a dribble before nailing a three right in his face. Tatum dominated the second quarter and looked like a man on a mission, he scored 20 points in the first half and could well be on his way to a first MVP.
My only concern from opening night was Boston’s lack of defensive intensity and that was still the same in the first half. However, the third period showed exactly what this team Is capable of defensively. They held Washington to just 19 points and a big part of that was Neemias Queta’s rim protection, he grabbed seven rebounds in only 14 minutes of playing time and made it really difficult for the Wizards to get to the basket.
With a huge lead the Celtics decided to sit the starters for the majority of the fourth quarter, and it gave us an opportunity to see the end of bench guys. Baylor Scheierman (Boston’s 30th overall pick) scored his first ever NBA points and the Celtics eventually managed to close out a comfortable 122-102 victory to maintain their perfect start to the season.
Boston will continue their road trip and head to Detroit to face the Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on Saturday night.
By Will C
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