Boston Celtics: Takeaways from Victory over Wizards

End of the first quarter blues

Nov 6, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) shoots the ball against Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

 Boston’s well-known first quarter woes were non-existent against the Wizards. The Celtics erupted for 40 points on an amazing 65.4% shooting from the field in the first quarter. The team scored more than the previous first quarters of the last two games combined. Perhaps this is the end of the Celtics’ fabled first quarter blues.

For a little while it appeared that the Celtics were in for another blowout opening quarter after the Wizards jumped out to an easy 6-2 lead after the team gave up three easy layups. Coach Brad Stevens called a timeout 88 seconds into the game and allowed the team to hit the reset button.

The Celtics quickly regained their composure and looked like a totally different squad. With the game even at 16, the Celtics went on a huge 22-4 run and found themselves ahead 38-20 with under a minute left in the quarter.

In addition to Sullinger’s aforementioned impact, Isaiah Thomas was another key piece of Boston’s hot start.

Thomas shot 4/7 from the field and scored 12 of his 16 points in the first quarter. Thomas’ pace and high-tempo offense rubbed off on his fellow teammates, who fed off of his energy and overwhelmed Washington’s defenders with their offensive firepower.

Next: Takeaway #3