Sunday was the final game of the regular season, with the Boston Celtics beating the Washington Wizards 132-120. It was always going to be an interesting game, with both teams having multiple starters for game 82. Jordan Poole, Tyus Jones, and Kyle Kuzma were among the notable Wizards players not active. Boston went with the same lineup that won against the Hornets, with their big six all missing.
After a 31-point and 11-assist performance against the Charlotte Hornets, Payton Pritchard followed it up with a new career-high 38 points while dishing out 12 assists and grabbing nine rebounds.
The Celtics and Svi Mykhailiuk got out to a strong start. Mykhailiuk started the game 5-for-5 with 12 points including an alley-oop poster to help give the Celtics a 17-12 lead with 6:30 left in the first quarter. Mykhailiuk tied his career high with 26.
When Xavier Tillman checked into the game, he went straight to work scoring nine points in six minutes, including an and-1 with under two seconds left in the quarter. He left the game after appearing to tweak his ankle and didn’t return to the court.
Despite strong performances from the team, the Wizards only trailed Boston by four (34-30) thanks to a buzzer-beating three from Jared Butler to end the quarter.
In addition to it being the last game of the season, it was also Mike Gorman Day. Between the first and second quarter, the Celtics aired a video tribute to legendary announcer Mike Gorman who called his final regular season game.
The Wizards came out strong to start the second half, going on a 9-1 run that resulted in Joe Mazzulla calling a timeout. The Celtics responded with a 12-2 run of their own to retake a six-point lead 47-41.
When he checked in, Neemias Queta had a big impact. In addition to scoring nine points in nine minutes, Queta also registered four blocks.
Payton Pritchard got into the fold late into the quarter, scoring Boston’s last 14 points, which included four three-pointers to give Boston a 10-point lead at the break 69-59.
Payton Pritchard up to 22 points in the half after a quick 14-point outburst in about 90 seconds.
His career high is 31 points, set on Friday. Wouldn’t be surprised if he passed that tonight. pic.twitter.com/SwX4dR69yK
— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzellNBA) April 14, 2024
The Celtics shot 59.1% from the floor through two quarters and shot 50% from deep, while the Wizards shot 45.1% from the field and 26.3% from deep.
At halftime, Mike Gorman took center stage for a farewell to the fans and the Celtics organization. He did have a message for the team, “Go win this thing.”
A lot of tears in this building as Mike Gorman closes his halftime farewell with the perfect final line.
“To the team, I just want to say: go win this thing.” pic.twitter.com/hrZS15KVaV
— Noa Dalzell (@NoaDalzellNBA) April 14, 2024
After a 14-point explosion to close the second quarter, Payton Pritchard showed what else he had in his bag getting to the rim after a handful of moves.
The ball movement shown from the “stay ready” group was on full display. The Wizards couldn’t keep Boston in front of them, giving the C’s open shots and layups. After two free throws from Luke Kornet, Boston led by 19 (90-71) with 5:18 left in the third.
Pritchard secured his new career high, 32 points late in the quarter to help Boston extend its lead to 18 (107-89) after three.
The fourth quarter was routine for Boston as they continued to play well on offense and contest every shot at the rim on defense.
Queta even showed his improved range from deep nailing a corner three to extend the lead to 20 (120-100). Queta finished the game with a career-high 19 points while grabbing nine boards and six blocks.
Boston finished the game shooting an efficient 58% from the floor and 50% (16-for-32) from three.
Now the Celtics wait until the Play-In games are finished to see who they host in the first round.
