In their last meeting, the Boston Celtics let the Washington Wizards hang 133 points on their defense in a Nov. 13th home win.
It seems they haven’t learned their lesson.
With the Wizards playing respectable defense, the Celtics found themselves unprepared despite the D.C. -area franchise being down starting shooting guard Bradley Beal and several other key players.
Tepid offense gave Washington an early lead, and didn’t get better until just under the eight-minute mark of the final frame, when Jaylen Brown would tie the game at 80 — the closest the Celtics came to a lead in the contest.
The Celtics looked to be going through the motions much of the night, and whatever confidence they had driving efficiency in recent games never materialized, their slow start dooming the team in the end.
The Celtics just shot 34.7 percent against, statistically speaking, one of the worst defenses in NBA history. Just 8 for 37 from behind the arc. More turnovers (17) than assists (16). Jaylen Brown was 7 for 22. Marcus Smart was 3 for 14. Yikes, guys.
— Jay King (@ByJayKing) January 7, 2020
Boston had no answer for Ish Smith, who scored 27 while shooting 12-of-18 from the floor. He was supported by 19 points and 7 rebounds from wing Jordan McRae and 17 points from ex-Celtic fan favorite Isaiah Thomas.
The Celtics were led by Brown, who had 23 points and 12 boards but went 22-of-7 overall and 2-of-10 from three.
Forward Jayson Tatum also had an off night, shooting 8-of-20 from the floor and 1-of-4 from deep for 17 points.
Guard Marcus Smart — filling in for an ill Kemba Walker — shot 3-of-14 from for 13 points, with the team shooting a reprehensible 34.7 % overall and 21.6 % from three in one of the least-efficient scoring nights for Boston in recent memory.
"You have to give credit where credit is due. They kicked our ass." – #Celtics Jaylen Brown following loss to the #Wizards.
— A. Sherrod Blakely (@ASherrodblakely) January 7, 2020
It was probably inevitable that the team would drop a game to an opponent like Washington, who have recently taken down the Denver Nuggets despite having several players out injured with one of the NBA’s best offenses.
Boston has also getting into the habit of been playing down to opponents in recent games, and after failing to punch the Wizards early, couldn’t find the bottom of the net Monday night.
The 25-9 Boston Celtics next face the 14-20 San Antonio Spurs at TD Garden on Wednesday, January 7th at 7pm ET.