Sam Hauser’s Record-Breaking Performance Propels Short-Handed Celtics Past Wizards

In a stunning display of shooting prowess, Sam Hauser led the short-handed Boston Celtics to a resounding 130-104 victory over the Washington Wizards on Sunday night, setting career highs with 30 points and 10 three-pointers.

Despite missing three starters due to injuries, including Derrick White and Jaylen Brown, the NBA-leading Celtics dominated from start to finish, with Jayson Tatum also contributing 30 points, including six three-pointers of his own.

Boston’s three-point barrage was relentless, as they drained a total of 24 shots from beyond the arc, with Hauser shooting an impressive 10 for 13 from long distance. The Celtics’ sharpshooting propelled them to an 81-point halftime lead and a commanding 36-point advantage in the third quarter.

Jordan Poole led the effort for the Wizards with 31 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Celtics’ offensive onslaught. The Wizards, missing four starters including rookie Bilal Coulibaly, struggled to keep pace with Boston’s scoring barrage.

Tatum set the tone early with 18 points in the first quarter, helping the Celtics build a commanding 45-27 lead. Hauser’s hot shooting continued throughout the game, with Tatum providing crucial assists as Hauser tied and then surpassed his previous career-best three-point record.

With the win, the Celtics extend their lead atop the NBA standings, showcasing their depth and resilience in the face of injuries. 

They now turn their attention to a matchup against the Detroit Pistons on Monday night, while the Wizards look to bounce back against the Houston Rockets on Tuesday.