Celtics advance to playoffs behind 50-point performance from Jayson Tatum

Facing a win-and-in situation in the first game of the NBA’s debut play-in tournament, the Celtics put together one of their best performances of the season, led by an all-time performance from their superstar.

Behind a massive performance from Jayson Tatum, the Celtics beat the Washington Wizards 118-100 Tuesday night at TD Garden. With the win, the Celtics clinched the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference playoff bracket. 

After an early back-and-forth start, the Celtics put together the first big run of the game for either side. They had a 19-8 stretch in the middle of the quarter, which was the difference after 12 minutes. Heading into the second, Boston led 27-21.

The Wizards opened the second quarter with a 10-2 run, led by Ish Smith – who has been a thorn in the Celtics’ side all season. Smith scored 11 points in his first 10 minutes. 

That 10-2 run became a 23-7 run as the Wizards took their first lead of the game late in the second quarter. They’d get up by as much as nine, while the Celtics dealt with a pair of key injures. Marcus Smart came up limping, but returned to the game relatively quickly after heading to the locker room, while Robert Williams had a scary looking landing and didn’t return until a brief shift in the second half.

Despite all of that and going 0-for-12 from three in the second quarter, the Celtics closed the half on a 10-4 run. At the break they trailed by just two, down 54-52.

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  Boston’s momentum continued into the second half, which they opened with a quick 9-2 run, forcing a Washington timeout. That timeout didn’t do much to cool the Celtics off. A Tatum basket on the ensuing possession gave the C’s their first double digit lead of the night as the 9-2 run became a 17-2 run. 
  
  In total, Tatum scored 23 points in the quarter, and had 41 through three. With Tatum’s outburst, the Celtics stretched their lead to as many as 16 points. Washington chipped away slightly at the end of the third, but the Celtics still led 90-80 at the start of the fourth quarter.
  
  Washington struggled to put up a fight in the fourth quarter like they had in the third. The Celtics lead grew to as many as 22 points, and they ended up winning the game without much late drama. Brad Stevens was even able to put in his reserves for the final few minutes.
  
  Tatum finished with 50 points exactly, his third 50-plus point performance this year. He shot 14-of-32 from the field in 41 minutes, and was a perfect 17-for-17 at the line. He also grabbed eight rebounds and dished four assists.

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  With Tatum having such a big night, the Celtics only had two other players score in double figures. Kemba Walker had 29 after contributing most of the C’s scoring in the first half. Tristan Thompson finished with a -double-double, with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
  
  For Washington, Bradley Beal scored a team-high 22 points. Russell Westbrook posted a double-double with 20 points and 14 rebounds - 12 of which came in the first half. Smith finished with 17.
  
  The Celtics now have a few days off to prepare for their first round playoff series against the second seeded Brooklyn Nets. Game 1 will tip-off Saturday night at the Barclays Center at 8:00 p.m., with coverage beginning on 98.5 The Sports Hub at 7:30. 

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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 abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.