The Celtics (4-5) shook off an early 12-point hole and took command for good Wednesday night, cruising to a 136-107 win over the Washington Wizards (1-7) at TD Garden.

Jaylen Brown paced Boston with a game-high 35 points, as all five starters reached double figures. Josh Minott tallied a career-best 21 points, and Neemias Queta delivered 15 points and 12 rebounds on a perfect 7-of-7 shooting performance.

Boston stumbled out of the gate, giving up 37 first-quarter points - including 13 second-chance points (rebounding!) - as Washington built an early cushion. But the tide turned quickly in the second quarter. The Celtics opened the frame on a 21-4 run, flipping the momentum and controlling both ends of the floor. They nearly doubled up the Wizards 44-23 in the period to turn a double-digit deficit into a 10-point halftime lead.

The second half was all Boston. The hosts widened the margin to as much as 31 points, dominating the turnover battle 19-6 and outscoring Washington 110-70 over the final three quarters. With the win, the Celtics moved to 4-5 on the season and now hit the road for a three-game trip beginning Friday night in Orlando (3-5).

Here’s four takeaways from tonight’s win:

1. Jaylen Brown thrives as the primary option

Boston’s All-Star forward looked comfortable carrying the offense, scoring 16 first-quarter points on 7-of-11 shooting - all from inside the arc. With the Celtics struggling from deep, Brown repeatedly attacked the rim, exploiting Washington’s lack of perimeter stoppers. He attempted just one three-pointer in the first half but still piled up 24 points before the break.

Brown scored 16 of Boston’s 26 first-quarter points, keeping the team afloat as only two other Celtics managed to score in the period. He finished with 35 points in just 26 minutes, resting the entire fourth quarter after the game was well in hand.

2. Bench struggles dig early hole

The reserves were a major factor in Boston’s sluggish start. The second unit managed only two first-half points on 1-of-10 shooting despite six different players getting floor time. Jordan Walsh provided some spark through his defense and rebounding, but otherwise the bench failed to contribute.

Washington’s bench, meanwhile, held a 20-2 scoring edge in the half, forcing head coach Joe Mazzulla to lean heavily on his starters to regain control before halftime.

3. Starters ignite second-quarter rally

Boston’s first unit flipped the game in the second quarter, nearly doubling up Washington 44-23. With the starting backcourt playing the entire period, the Celtics shot 66% from the field as Payton Pritchard erupted for 16 points in the frame. The team also went 10-for-10 from the free-throw line and grabbed offensive rebounds on half of its misses, turning hustle plays into momentum.

On defense, Boston forced six turnovers in the quarter, creating transition opportunities that fueled the scoring burst and a 10-point lead at the break.

4. Neemias Queta earns more minutes

The Celtics’ frontcourt depth remains thin beyond their starting center, and this matchup underscored it. Luka Garza struggled in limited minutes, opening the door for Neemias Queta to see extended action. Queta surpassed his average of 22.8 minutes early in the fourth quarter and made the most of it, finishing +23 while helping Boston put the game away.

Mazzulla also experimented with small-ball lineups as the game progressed, giving Josh Minott time at backup center. That look proved more effective than using other reserve bigs, but the biggest takeaway was clear: Queta deserves a larger role in the rotation moving forward.

Tom Carroll is a contributor for Roundtable, with boots-on-the-ground coverage of all things Boston sports. He's a senior digital content producer for WEEI.com, and a native of Lincoln, RI.