NBA: Tatum posts double-double as Boston dominate Washington and sink the Wizards

The Boston Celtics did the job Saturday night at TD Garden. Led by a steady Jayson Tatum easing back in, the East champs beat the Washington Wizards 111-100, handing them an 11th straight loss.

A controlled win overall — though Boston had to snuff out a late Wizards surge in the fourth.

Tatum steps up after his return

Still easing back after Achilles surgery, Jayson Tatum is steadily finding his rhythm.

The Celtics forward finished with 20 points and 14 rebounds in 32 minutes — his second double-double since returning earlier this month.

Jayson Tatum 20 PTS, 14 REB, 7 AST, 2 STL, 8/19 FG, 2/2 FT, 50.3% TS vs Wizards https://t.co/mSRBQYaXiU pic.twitter.com/3A40WZLfry

— Basketball Performances (@NBAPerformances) March 15, 2026

Coach Joe Mazzulla kept his star out a bit longer to help him get his feel. In the three games before this one, Tatum had been held under 30 minutes.

Jaylen Brown chipped in 16 points.

Queta dominates the paint

The night’s real surprise was Neemias Queta. The Portuguese center produced one of his best games as a Celtic, pouring in 24 points and grabbing 10 boards.

Neemias Queta 24 PTS, 10 REB, 3 AST, 2 BLK, 11/13 FG, 2/3 FT, 83.8% TS vs Wizards https://t.co/JQwYvJd3Ux pic.twitter.com/7rAZlZZ4ki

— Basketball Performances (@NBAPerformances) March 15, 2026

He owned the paint — scored eight of Boston’s first ten points and already had 22 by halftime.

Boston ripped Washington inside, outscoring them 54-30 in the paint.

Wizards’ rally came too late

Down by 30 in the third, the Wizards still tried to fight back in the fourth.

Washington trimmed it to 12, but Boston shut it down quickly — a Tatum layup followed by a Sam Hauser three put the game back out of reach.

Tristan Vukcevic led Washington with 22 points, but the capital’s side just keeps sinking.

Opposite trajectories

For Boston, the win ends a two-game slide and gives them some momentum ahead of a big test against Phoenix.

For Washington, it’s getting ugly. Eleven losses in a row puts the Wizards in one of the worst stretches of their season.

Next up for them: a tough trip to the Warriors.

And for Boston, the aim is obvious.

Get Jayson Tatum back to his best.

Find the rest of the sports coverage on Mathodds!