Bradley Beal Drops 36 as Wizards Beat Jaylen Brown, Celtics in 2OT Thriller
The Wizards just keep rolling despite the loss of Russell Westbrook to the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason. Washington won its third straight game and improved to 5-1 with a 115-112 double overtime win over the Boston Celtics on Saturday at Capital One Arena.
Bradley Beal continues to be a significant factor for the Wizards early on, but performances from Montrezl Harrell and Kyle Kuzma helped put Washington over the top Saturday evening.
Notable Player Stats
Jaylen Brown, SG, BOS: 34 PTS, 6 REB, 2 AST
Bradley Beal, SG, WSH: 36 PTS, 7 REB, 6 AST
Jayson Tatum, SF, BOS: 27 PTS, 15 REB, 3 AST
Montrezl Harrell, C, WSH: 20 PTS, 14 REB, 1 AST
Kyle Kuzma, PF, WSH: 17 PTS, 17 REB, 1 AST
Bradley Beal, Montrezl Harrell Lead the Way for Wizards
Much of the first quarter between the Celtics and Wizards was back and forth, but it was Beal who impressed, putting up 12 points, two rebounds and an assist to help put Washington up 25-20 entering the second quarter.
Thanks to Beal and Co., the Wizards kept their lead through the second quarter, heading into halftime up 53-47 on the Celtics.
Harrell emerged as a significant factor for Washington throughout the first half and even hit a halfcourt shot with time winding down in the second quarter. He finished the half with 14 points, five rebounds and an assist.
Things remained close in the third quarter. Beal and Harrell continued their big nights, putting up a combined 10 points and five rebounds in the quarter as the Wizards entered the final frame with a 76-73 lead and the opportunity to close things out.
Beal shot 37.5 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from deep Saturday while Harrell was a dominant force in the paint all night, finishing with 20 points and 14 rebounds.
The Wizards struggled for much of the first overtime against Boston, but Beal managed to tie things up with time winding down to force 2OT. Even though Harrell fouled out in double overtime, Beal and Spencer Dinwiddie were able to help Washington seal the victory with a couple of quick baskets under the one-minute mark.
Kyle Kuzma also had a solid game for Washington. His 17 rebounds led the team as he put up his third double-double of the season.
Jaylen Brown's Effort Not Enough as Boston's Three-Point Shooting Falls Short
Brown was Boston's best player Saturday night, and he started out strong despite being rather inconsistent this season. He put up eight points and one rebound in the first quarter to help keep the Celtics within five points entering the second frame.
Down 25-20 after one, Brown continued his hot start against Washington during the second quarter, putting up nine points to help keep the Celtics within striking distance entering halftime, down just 53-47 to the Wizards.
Brown's efforts continued well into the fourth quarter, but the Celtics failed to get equal production out of anyone else throughout much of Saturday's game until Tatum emerged late in the contest. Boston also had an awful night from deep against Washington, going just 2-of-26, while the Wizards went 10-of-36 from three-point range.
If the Celtics made even a quarter of their three-point shots, things could have gone differently. It can't be stated enough how much Boston's three-point shooting hurt them.
What's Next?
The Wizards will be on the road to face Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks on Monday before opening up a three-game homestand. The Celtics, meanwhile, will host the Chicago Bulls on Monday before heading out on a three-game road trip.
