In a thrilling game on Sunday night, the Celtics and Wizards were neck and neck with a score of 17 each during the first quarter. However, the Celtics quickly took control, embarking on a scoring spree. They ended the first quarter with a commanding 45-27 lead, marking their highest-scoring first quarter on the road since a memorable game in Atlanta on November 28, 2018.
Jayson Tatum shone brightly in the early moments of the game, scoring 18 points and successfully making four out of seven attempts from beyond the arc. He was on the court for the entire first quarter and only needed to play an additional 14 minutes for the rest of the game, thanks to the substantial lead he helped establish.
The Celtics maintained their dominance throughout the game, extending their lead to an impressive 36 points at one point. They ultimately secured a 130-104 victory, showcasing their strength and teamwork.
Sam Hauser, in a standout performance, was on track to set a new Celtics record for the most 3-pointers in a single game before an ankle injury in the third quarter cut his game short. Despite this setback, he had already delivered an unforgettable performance. Starting in place of another player, Hauser scored 30 points, including making 10 out of 13 attempts from the 3-point line. He was just one 3-pointer away from breaking Marcus Smart’s franchise record. His achievement of making at least 10 three-pointers in less than 24 minutes of play made him the first player in NBA history to do so.
During the first half, Hauser tied the franchise record for the most threes, with seven successful shots. This included an incredible streak in the second quarter where he made five consecutive shots without a miss. Had it not been for his injury, he might have shattered the franchise record. Nevertheless, his performance is still considered one of the most impressive long-range shooting displays in Celtics history.
Sam Hauser and Jayson Tatum led the Celtics in scoring, each contributing 30 points. This made them the first duo in NBA history to score at least 30 points each while playing fewer than 27 minutes. Hauser achieved career highs in both scoring and 3-point shots made, with 10. He joined Jaylen Brown and Marcus Smart as the third Celtic to make at least 10 3-pointers in a single game. The Celtics also set a record as the first team in NBA history to make at least 24 3-pointers in consecutive games.
Jordan Poole was the top scorer for the Wizards with 31 points. Payton Pritchard had an outstanding game, setting a career-high with 13 assists and scoring 14 points. The Celtics demonstrated excellent teamwork, with 30 assists on 43 field goals. Scoring 81 points in the first half, the Celtics matched an NBA record by logging three first halves with more than 80 points this season. Additionally, the team celebrated a historical record of 26-17 on St. Patrick’s Day.
Payton Pritchard praised Sam Hauser’s exceptional 3-point shooting, stating, “I tell people all the time, Sam is among the top shooters in the league.” This game will be remembered for its remarkable performances and the Celtics’ dominant victory.