By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
It wasn’t exactly a lovely performance from the Celtics on Valentine’s Day. Playing their third game in four days, the C’s were flat start to finish in a 104-91 loss to the Washington Wizards.
With the loss, the Celtics fall to .500 at 13-13 on the season. They’re now lost four of their last five games, and seven of their last 10.
As was the case in their first meeting, Bradley Beal proved to be a handful for the Celtics’ defense. He scored 35 points on 10-of-18 shooting and hit all 11 of his free throws.
Beal didn’t waste any time leaving his mark on this one. He shot 5-of-6 from the field in the first quarter, with 12 points in the first 12 minutes. His early efficiency, combined with a scoreless first from Jayson Tatum, took Washington to a 29-22 lead after one quarter.
Feb 14, 2021; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) shoots the ball over Boston Celtics forward Tristan Thompson (13) in the first quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The Celtics tried to get more aggressive in the second quarter, but that turned into a foul fest. Of theri 13 first half fouls, 10 came in the second quarter. At halftime, the C’s were down 55-43.
A 17-6 run carried Washington through the heart of the third quarter. Heading to the fourth, Boston was down 89-67.
With the lopsided score, Brad Stevens emptied his bench in the fourth quarter. Every player in uniform got in the game, with the exception of Jeff Teague (coach’s decision). Boston closed the gap by nine in the final frame, but still lost by double digits.
Only two Celtics scored in double figures, with Kemba Walker and Jaylen Brown posting 25 points each. Tatum never shook his cold start, and finished with a season-low six points on 3-of-14 shooting.
The Celtics return to TD Garden on Tuesday, where they’ll face the Denver Nuggets. That one tips off at 7:00 p.m., with pregame coverage beginning at 6:30 on 98.5 The Sports Hub.
Click here for 98.5 The Sports Hub’s complete coverage of the Celtics.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at Alexander.Barth@bbgi.com