10 takeaways as Celtics flatten Wizards behind balanced effort

Sunday’s matchup between one team with 57 wins and another with 17 unfolded exactly as one would expect.

The Celtics bullied the Wizards on the glass and drilled a steady stream of 3-pointers, running away with a resounding 124-90 triumph at TD Garden.

Here are 10 takeaways:

1. Balanced scoring

For many teams, playing without two of their three leading scorers could potentially be problematic.

For the Celtics, who were without Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis on Sunday, it was business as usual. Boston has leaned on its depth all season, and this one was no exception.

Seven Celtics finished in double figures: Payton Pritchard (20), Derrick White (19), Sam Hauser (18), Jaylen Brown (15), Luke Kornet (13), Jrue Holiday (13) and Al Horford (11).

2. Kornet about it

Kornet has established himself as a fan favorite in Boston, and games like this one are a major reason why.

He got the start and was a threat at the rim and active defensively from the jump. Kornet finished 6 of 9 and added 14 rebounds and three assists. He helped set the tone early and ensured the Celtics didn’t let the game become closer than it had to be.

On one sequence, Kornet deflected the ball off a member of the Wizards and pointed Boston’s way to ensure everyone knew whose ball it was. He then finished inside and turned to the reliable dog bark celebration.

Kornet won’t win the award, but he really is one of the NBA’s most improved players.

“He just makes the game easier for everybody,” White said.

3. Versatile Hauser

Hauser hit four 3-pointers and shot 7 of 12 from the field, but once again, he wasn’t a one-trick pony.

He grabbed eight boards, including six defensive rebounds, and blocked a shot in 22 minutes. Hauser also showcased his versatility, making a point to upfake, let defenders fly by and attack the rim.

“Everyone knows he’s a great shooter, but he’s not defined by that,” Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said. “I think one thing that he’s drastically improved this year is his rebounding.”

4. Resounding rebounding

Hauser’s success on the boards illuminated a larger trend on the evening, as the Celtics racked up 62 rebounds compared to 32 for the Wizards. Yes, 62 to 32.

That included 25 offensive boards – the most they’ve had in a win since 2000.

The Wizards aren’t a very good basketball team, which is of course a factor here, but the Celtics deserve credit for crashing the glass early and often.

5. Look out for Torrey Craig

Before the game, Torrey Craig took time to play catch with fans in the stands. One pass from a fan almost knocked over a nearby beer, but Craig was undeterred.

On the floor, he swatted three shots and had eight rebounds himself in 16 minutes. Craig is a valuable player on a championship-caliber roster. He’s versatile defensively, makes timely hustle plays and is a better shooter than he gets credit for.

Don’t be surprised if there’s a game or two in the playoffs where the Celtics are in a rut and he helps steer them to victory.

6. Pass-first Jaylen

Brown only attempted nine shots, yet still managed to affect the game in a variety of ways.

Perhaps he dove on the floor for loose balls a few too many times, given his lingering knee injury, but his heart’s the right place.

He had four assists in the first quarter and finished with five overall. Brown is averaging a career high 4.6 assists, and his head coach has taken notice.

“Jaylen’s at the top of the list in that mentality, just always finding another way to get better,” Mazzulla said.

He also dished out T-shirts to fans in the second half, but White wasn’t overly impressed.

7. No Smart

Fans gave Marcus Smart a big ovation when he made his way to the bench before the game. They chanted “We want Marcus!” in the fourth quarter, but Wizards coach Brian Keefe didn’t budge.

Smart appeared to have a brief verbal spat with a fan, but for the most part, it was a positive reception.

He chatted with White in the hallway after the game and appeared to be in good spirits.

8. Showman Scheierman

Baylor Scheierman had a heck of a sequence in the third quarter, hitting a 3, delivering a behind-the-back pass to Jrue Holiday, then splashing another 3 in a span of a minute.

Scheierman had four turnovers in 21 minutes, which obviously isn’t ideal, but it shows he’s getting more comfortable. Early in the season, Scheierman mostly caught the ball and immediately shot it or gave it up.

Now, he’s looking to make plays and get others involved. He’s a shooter, but he’s also a heck of a passer. He’s still figuring out when to take risks and when to make the simple play, but that will come with time.

“The flashy passes and everything he does is cool, but I think he’s doing a lot of other stuff for us that’s helping us win games and has really created some more opportunities for him,” White said.

9. Resting starters

It will be interesting to see which Celtics play in the final four games. This time of year can be tricky. Rest and recovery are important, but so are rhythm and flow.

Mazzulla will likely continue to mix and match which Celtics play over the next few games as they gear up for another playoff run.

10. Redhot overall

The Celtics have won two straight, 11 of 12 and 16 of 18, They’re playing some of their best basketball of the season, and it appears likely they’ll have momentum heading into the playoffs.

“I think we’re doing a good job of just trying to find ways to win,” White said.

They have four more regular-season games, then the wait is finally over. It’s almost that time of year.