Wizards latest Celtics foe to disappear down the stretch

A sluggish first half by Boston gave way to a second half surge, giving the Celtics their 40th win of the season.

Kristaps Porzingis having his way against the Wizards in helping Boston add one more victory to its league-best mark at home. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

BOSTON — Play the team, not their record.

Like most things in the NBA, it’s a lot easier said than done.

The Washington Wizards were an ideal litmus test for the Boston Celtics, separated by 30 wins coming into Friday night’s matchup.

Boston was far from acing this exam.

But as we’ve seen plenty of times this season, they stepped up to make the plays when they absolutely needed to in order to pull away in the second half for a 133-129 win.