Tatum scores 20 points in 32 minutes, Celtics hand Wizards 11th straight loss 111-100

BOSTON (AP) — Jayson Tatum had 20 points and 14 rebounds in a season-high 32 minutes, Neemias Queta had 24 points and 10 rebounds and the Boston Celtics withstood a late charge to beat Washington 111-100 on Saturday night and send the Wizards to their 11th straight loss.

Tatum had his second double-double since making his season debut earlier this month. Jaylen Brown added 16 points to help the Celtics snap a two-game skid.

Boston’s lead grew to 30 points in the third quarter, but Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla kept Tatum on the court to allow him to reach a high for minutes in the four games he’s played in since his return from Achilles tendon surgery. He had been capped at 27 minutes in his previous three games.

Washington, which was coming off erasing a 17-point deficit to force overtime in a loss at Orlando on Thursday, chopped Boston’s lead to 12 in the fourth quarter. But the Celtics got a layup from Tatum and 3-pointer by Sam Hauser to help them close it out.

Tristan Vukcevic had 22 points to lead the Wizards.

Boston tried early to exploit the Wizards’ vulnerability in the paint and fed the ball to Queta, who scored eight of the Celtics’ first 10 points and finished with 22 in the first half. Luka Garza also took advantage, connecting on his first three shots and scoring six quick points. He finished with 15 points in 15 minutes.

Washington 7-footer Alex Sarr didn’t score until the 4:38 mark of the second quarter.

Boston finished with a 54-30 advantage in scoring in the paint.

Wizards: Host Golden State on Monday.

Celtics: Host Phoenix on Monday.

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Boston Celtics center Luka Garza, right, steals the ball from Washington Wizards forward Tristan Vukcevic, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) drives to the basket past Washington Wizards guard Trae Young, left, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) drives to the basket past Washington Wizards guard Tre Johnson (12) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives to the basket against Washington Wizards center Alex Sarr, right, during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reaches up to block a pass by Washington Wizards center Alex Sarr (20) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Saturday, March 14, 2026, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

MONTREAL (AP) — Igor Chernyshov's return to the San Jose Sharks lasted less than 30 seconds.

The 20-year-old rookie took a hit from Montreal's Mike Matheson in the neutral zone just after the start of Saturday night's game. Chernyshov slid across the ice, then twice got up onto his skates only to fall back down. He was eventually helped up and left the game. The Sharks later announced he wouldn't return.

This was Chernyshov's 16th NHL game and his first since he was recalled from San Jose of the AHL earlier in the week. He was slotted onto the top line alongside Macklin Celebrini.

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

San Jose Sharks' Igor Chernyshov (92) is helped off the ice during first period NHL hockey action against the Montreal Canadiens in Montreal on Saturday, March 14, 2026. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

San Jose Sharks' Igor Chernyshov (92) lies on the ice after being checked by Montreal Canadiens' Mike Matheson (not shown) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Montreal, Saturday, March 14, 2026. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

San Jose Sharks' Igor Chernyshov (92) falls to the ice as he tries to stand following being checked by Montreal Canadiens' Mike Matheson (not shown) during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Montreal, Saturday, March 14, 2026. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

San Jose Sharks' Igor Chernyshov (92) falls to the ice as he tries to stand following a check by Montreal Canadiens' Mike Matheson (not shown) as referee Eric Furlatt (right) helps during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Montreal, Saturday, March 14, 2026. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)