Sam Hauser Leads the Short-Handed Celtics to Victory with Career Highs
With a stellar performance that included ten 3-pointers and thirty points, Sam Hauser helped the Boston Celtics, who were shorthanded, defeat the Washington Wizards 130-104 on Sunday night. In addition to Hauser’s incredible performance, Jayson Tatum added 30 points with six 3-pointers. The NBA-leading Celtics demonstrated their ability to shoot beyond the arc by making an astounding 24 of their attempts.
Overcoming Adversity with a Strong Bench
Despite missing three starters, the Celtics never trailed in the game. Payton Pritchard contributed significantly with 14 points and 13 assists, showcasing the depth and versatility of the team. Tatum acknowledged the importance of having a strong bench, 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 beat.”
The Celtics faced the challenge of back-to-back games, with a matchup against the Detroit Pistons scheduled for the following day. Derrick White and Jaylen Brown joined Kristaps Porzingis on the list of injured Boston players, with White suffering from a left hand sprain and Brown dealing with a right ankle sprain. Tatum himself had been questionable due to an ankle issue but managed to play his 31st consecutive game. Hauser, making his 16th career start, played a pivotal role in Boston’s dominant performance.
The Star Shooting Display of Hauser
The impact Hauser had on the game was highlighted by Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, who commended Hauser’s tenacity and confidence. Hauser finished the game with an ankle injury midway through the third quarter, despite shooting an excellent 10 for 13 from beyond the arc. X-rays were taken as a precaution after the game, though it is unknown how serious the injury is. “I loved how guys looked for him,” Mazzulla said, expressing his happiness with Hauser’s performance. He was able to get his shots in while we were carrying out our plan, and that is his weapon.”
Boston’s proficiency from beyond the arc was evident throughout the game. The team went 17 for 28 from 3-point range in the first half alone, finishing the game shooting 48% from deep. Despite removing their starters midway through the third quarter, the Celtics maintained their shooting prowess, showcasing their depth and ability to execute their game plan effectively.
On the opposing side, Jordan Poole stood out for the Washington Wizards, scoring 31 points. However, the team struggled without four of their starters, including rookie Bilal Coulibaly, who sat out due to a bruised right wrist.
Tatum played a crucial role in the Celtics’ strong start, contributing 18 points in the first quarter as the team built a commanding 45-27 lead. Hauser’s impressive shooting display allowed him to tie and surpass his previous career-best 3-pointers, with his sixth and seventh long-range shots. He continued his hot streak in the second half, making three more 3-pointers and extending Boston’s lead to 92-56 with 9:27 remaining in the third quarter.
Before his departure from the game due to injury, Hauser’s teammates encouraged him to aim for the Celtics’ record of 11 made 3-pointers held by Marcus Smart, as well as the all-time NBA record of 14 made 3-pointers set by Klay Thompson. Al Horford expressed the team’s support, stating, “We’re very aware of it and were pulling for Sam.”
In conclusion, Sam Hauser’s exceptional performance, along with Tatum’s contributions, propelled the short-handed Boston Celtics to a resounding victory over the Washington Wizards. The team’s depth and ability to execute their game plan effectively were on full display, showcasing their resilience in the face of adversity.