The heavily depleted Washington Wizards were throttled at home against the Boston Celtics, losing by a season-worst 45 points.

The Celtics won, 146-101, following an 80 point explosion in the second half. Washington’s effort was one of the worst its put together all year.

Washington was within striking distance at halftime, but was outscored 80-42 in the second half.

"I didn't see our identity of how we play basketball,” Wizards head coach Brian Keefe said after the game.  “That's not acceptable...these [losses], you should be upset with. We should all be upset, so you use this as fuel."

Boston dismantled Washington despite missing Jaylen Brown, who missed with an illness.

Washington played without Alex Sarr, Bilal Coulibaly, Tre Johnson, and Corey Kispert.

The Wizards elected to start rookie second-round pick Jamir Watkins, hoping to provide a spark defensively. Watkins has only played 33 total minutes in his career prior.

Boston got it going early, jumping out to an early 11-4 lead before Brian Keefe called time. The Celtics shot five of six from the field in the early minutes.

Kyshawn George continued his success in the catch-and-shoot game, knocking down two of three from distance in the first quarter.  He entered the game shooting 51% on those looks.

The Celtics grew their lead to nine before a mini Wizards run cut into the deficit. Derrick White's buzzer-beater three put Boston up six after one.

Turnovers plagued Washington all first half. As they mounted, Boston grew its lead rapidly. Conversely, Boston played clean ball all half. The way the Celtics moved the ball was the reason they broke away early.

 The final 5:30 of the half saw the Wizards battle back. Justin Champagnie provided a spark off the bench they needed bad. His poster slam over Derrick White came part of a 19-6 run in a five-minute span.

Washington trailed by seven at the break.

 White continued to give Washington fits. Him and Jordan Walsh offensively dominated in the third. Within six minutes of play in the second half, Boston expanded its lead to 19.

Walsh and White combined for 52 points together by the end of the third quarter. 

After only trailing by single-digits at halftime, the Celtics ballooned the lead to 23 after three. Boston outscored Washington a staggering 43-27 in the quarter.

White scored 12 in the frame on five of seven shooting.

Boston did whatever it wanted. Pushing in transition, halfcourt sets, it was far too easy, and Washington offered no resistance.