Wizards vs. the Boston Celtics (126 – 107)

 The Washington Wizards weren’t dealt any favors with their third game of the season being against the Boston Celtics. In front of the home crowd at Capital One Arena, the Wizards fall 126 – 107 to the Celtics. The Celtics are another team that made a few moves this offseason. Their moves, however, are not signs of a team in rebuild but signs of team that are ready to hit the accelerator now well into the postseason. Their offseason additions of former Wizard Kristaps Porzingis and NBA Champion from the Milwaukee Bucks Jrue Holiday solidifies the Celtics are putting all of their cards in early relying on a strong starting five to lead the way.

Kristaps Porzingis scored 15 points in his return to Washington, where he spent his previous 1 1/2 seasons. Porzingis was traded to Boston in June and scored 30 points in his first game for the Celtics on Wednesday, setting a franchise record for scoring in a debut.

“This was home for a year-and-a-half, so definitely some good, good memories here,” Porzingis said.

Kyle Kuzma scored 21 points for the Wizards (1-2), who trailed throughout and were behind by 26 points after 10 minutes.

The Boston Celtics have one of the most well-balanced starting fives in the NBA. Derrick White and Jrue Holiday are a defensive-minded backcourt duo flanked on the wings by All-Stars Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum. And if those four weren't enough, they have former Wizards big man Kristaps Porzingis playing the center position to tie everything together.

Not only are those five guys incredible individual talents, but their skill sets all complement one another in an ideal way. Defensively, they're switchable and have bodies to throw at everyone. Offensively, they have five shooters on the court at all times. That's why Boston is heading into the season as one of the favorites to come out of the Eastern Conference.

The Celtics lost to the Wizards on the road by a decisive 130-111 margin in their previous matchup back in March. Thankfully for the Celtics, Kristaps Porzingis (who dropped a double-double on 32 points and 13 rebounds) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? There's only one way to find out.

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Sarah H

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