Celtics dominate 2nd quarter, extend Wizards' skid to 11

Neemias Queta scores game-high 24 points as Boston cruises past struggling Washington

Mar. 15, 2026 at 6:10am

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The Boston Celtics ended a two-game losing streak by beating the visiting Washington Wizards 111-100 on Saturday night. Neemias Queta scored a game-high 24 points and had 10 rebounds, while Jayson Tatum added 20 points, 14 rebounds and seven assists. The Celtics outrebounded the Wizards 55-38 and grabbed 19 offensive rebounds. The loss stretched Washington's losing streak to 11 games.

Why it matters

The Celtics were looking to bounce back from a couple of tough losses, while the Wizards have been mired in a lengthy skid. This game was an important test for both teams as they jockey for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.

The details

The Celtics led by nine in the opening quarter, but the Wizards went in front 27-26 late in the first. Boston then scored 19 of the first 21 points in the second quarter to take a 48-29 lead and outscored Washington 35-14 in the period to go up 64-41 at halftime. Queta had 22 points in the first half on 10-of-12 shooting. The Celtics pushed their lead to 30 points in the third quarter before the Wizards made a late run to trim the deficit.

  • The Celtics led 29-27 after the first quarter.
  • Boston outscored Washington 35-14 in the second quarter to take a 64-41 halftime lead.
  • The Celtics led by as many as 30 points in the third quarter.

The players

Neemias Queta

A center for the Boston Celtics who scored a game-high 24 points and had 10 rebounds.

Jayson Tatum

A forward for the Boston Celtics who had 20 points, 14 rebounds and 7 assists.

Tristan Vukcevic

A reserve player for the Washington Wizards who made 6 of 7 3-point attempts and led the team with 22 points.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

This game highlighted the Celtics' dominance on the boards and in the paint, as they outrebounded the Wizards by a wide margin. It also showcased the continued struggles of the Wizards, who have now lost 11 straight games and are in danger of falling out of playoff position in the East.