Sam Hauser achieved career highs of 30 points and 10 three-pointers, guiding the short-handed Boston Celtics to a 130-104 victory over the Washington Wizards on Sunday night.
Jayson Tatum also contributed 30 points, sinking six three-pointers, as the NBA-leading Celtics connected on 24 shots from beyond the arc, never relinquishing the lead despite missing three starters. Payton Pritchard chipped in with 14 points and 13 assists.
“That’s why we have that stay-ready group, frankly, for days like this,” Tatum commented on playing with less than a full lineup. “We can just plug in certain guys in certain positions and moments. And the expectation is that we don’t skip a beat.”
Playing the first of back-to-back games with a matchup against Detroit on Monday, the Celtics dealt with injuries to Derrick White (left-hand sprain) and Jaylen Brown (right ankle sprain), adding to the absence of Kristaps Porzingis (right hamstring strain).
Tatum, who had been questionable with an ankle issue, played his 31st consecutive game, while Hauser made his 16th career start, energizing Boston to a staggering 81 points before halftime and extending their lead to 36 points in the third quarter.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla praised Hauser’s performance, stating, “I loved his confidence, I loved his aggressiveness. I loved how guys looked for him. He got his shots within the flow of our execution. And that’s the weapon that he is.”
Hauser, who shot 10 for 13 from long distance, exited midway through the third quarter with an ankle injury. Postgame updates on his condition were not immediately available.
“I haven’t heard anything,” Mazzulla stated. “I know he was getting an X-ray after the game, so we’ll find out. I think it was cautionary X-rays.”
Despite removing their starters midway through the third quarter, Boston maintained their three-point shooting prowess, finishing 48% from beyond the arc.
For the NBA-worst Wizards, Jordan Poole scored 31 points, but the team struggled without four starters, including rookie Bilal Coulibaly who sat out with a bruised right wrist.
Tatum led the Celtics’ strong start, contributing 18 points in the first quarter as they built a commanding 45-27 lead, marking their highest-scoring opening period of the season. Hauser’s exceptional shooting performance further solidified Boston’s dominance, surpassing his previous career best in three-pointers.
Before his exit, Hauser’s teammates encouraged him to pursue the Celtics’ record of 11 made three-pointers held by Marcus Smart, as well as the all-time NBA record of 14 made three-pointers set by Klay Thompson.
“I know Klay did it and it was pretty impressive,” commented Celtics forward Al Horford. “Us shooters, we know those records. … We’re very aware of it and were pulling for Sam.”
