The Boston Celtics are back on track.
Behind a huge afternoon from Jayson Tatum, the Celtics topped the Washington Wizards, 116-87, at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. Boston improved to 24-24 with the win, while the Wizards dropped to 23-24.
You can view the full box score here.
ONE BIG TAKEAWAY
It’s safe to say that Tatum found his way out of his shooting slump.
The forward, who missed six three-point shots in Boston’s loss to the Portland Trail Blazers and was 0-for-17 through three games, came out firing Sunday. There was a marked difference in the opening minutes as he had 10 points to help Boston to an 18-10 lead, but he didn’t let up. Tatum entered the half with 31 points on 11-of-14 shooting with seven rebounds as the Celtics led 60-45.
Tatum kept it going in the second half, eventually finishing the night with 51 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists. He was 9-of-14 from long range — certainly making up for lost time.
STARS OF THE GAME
— The Celtics hardly needed support behind Tatum, but Jaylen Brown logged 18 points and 10 boards.
— Marcus Smart, in his first game back after a six-game absence due to a thigh contusion, health and safety protocols and conditioning, finished with 11 points, six assists, four rebounds and four steals.
— For the Wizards, Bradley Beal was the leading scorer with 19 points.
WAGER WATCH
The Celtics entered as -140 favorites, so Boston bettors who wagered $140 ended the contest $100 richer.
Fans who picked Tatum to score 35 points (+400) didn’t have to wait long for their bet to cash. He hit the 30-point mark at the close of the second quarter and picked up a payout for prop bettors by the middle of the third quarter. And those who had him with a double-double in addition to monstrous scoring would have earned a massive payout, since he was +950 to score 35 points with 10 rebounds.
UP NEXT
The Celtics play again Tuesday, hosting the Sacramento Kings for a 7:30 p.m. ET tip-off.
