Sam Hauser had career highs of 30 points and 10 3-pointers to help the short-handed Boston Celtics ƅеаt the WаsҺinɡton Wizards 130-104 on Sunday night. Jayson Tatum also contributed 30 points with six 3-pointers as the Celtics, leading the NBA, connected on 24 shots from beyond the arc in a game where they maintained a lead throughout, despite the absence of three starters. Payton Pritchard impressed with 14 points and 13 assists.

Tatum highlighted the team’s depth, stating, “That’s why we have that stay-ready group, frankly, for days like this. We can just plug in certain guys in certain positions and moments. And the expectation is that we don’t skip a ƅеаt.”

During back-to-back games, with a matchup against Detroit on Monday, Derrick White (left-hand sprain) and Jaylen Brown (right ankle sprain) joined Kristaps Porzingis (right hamstring strain) on Boston’s injured list. Tatum himself had been questionable due to an ankle issue but played his 31st consecutive game, alongside Hauser, who made his 16th career start, propelling Boston to an 81-point first-half score and a lead extending to 36 points in the third quarter.

Coach Joe Mazzulla praised Hauser’s performance, emphasizing his confidence and aggression. Hauser’s remarkable shooting, 10 for 13 from beyond the arc, was cut short by an ankle ιnjᴜry in the third quarter, prompting postgame X-rays as a precautionary measure.

Boston displayed remarkable shooting prowess, going 17 for 28 from 3-point range in the first half, ultimately finishing at 48% from beyond the arc, despite removing starters midway through the third quarter. Jordan Poole led the Wizards with 31 points, but Boston’s dominance, particularly in the opening quarter, propelled them to a commanding lead. Tatum’s impressive performance not only showcased his scoring ability but also his playmaking, assisting Hauser in setting a career-high in made 3-pointers. Hauser’s teammates rallied behind him, urging him to aim for Celtics’ and NBA records in 3-point shooting, reflecting the team’s camaraderie and support for one another.