Story By: Sol Tucker
Photos By: Sol Tucker
Washington, D.C–
There were quite a few points in the game today against the Celtics where Jason Tatum looked totally unstoppable, and he practically was until he sat down for good with a little over 2:30 remaining on the clock and 51 points and 10 rebounds showing on the scoreboard. For Tatum his day was done and for the Wizards it was done by halftime.
Tatum shot 18-of-28 from the field and a career-high 9-of-14 from long range in an what may have been one of his best all-around games in a Celtics uniform. He was just three assists shy of a triple-double, too, ending with 10 rebounds and seven assists.
With 48 points after three quarters, he was on pace to snap the Celtics’ single-game scoring record of 60 points — a figure he hit last season to tie Larry Bird’s record — but he ended up well short.
Tatum had missed 20 straight 3-pointers before getting one to fall on Sunday, too.
Bradley Beal led the Wizards with 19 points and seven assists in the loss, and Avdija added 13 points and seven rebounds off the bench. The Wizards have now lost three of their last four, all of which occurred at home.
For the Wizards, their woes continue in finding a line-up that works to close out games. Today was a rare off day for the scoring by quite a few of their stars in Montrezl Harrell and Kyle Kuzma, who returned to the line-up today after missing the last game with neck spasms.
“It pretty much came down to the end of the second quarter,” Wizards Head Coach Wes Unseld Jr. said. “Essentially, that was the game.”
“To Tatum’s credit, he had a night,” Unseld said. “Obviously, 51 points, it’s a real number. I think he was 6 for 8 on pull-up 3s, which are tough shots. No excuse. He’s been struggling, but he found his rhythm tonight.”
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