The Boston Celtics were one of the NBA’s worst teams over the final month of the regular season.
Thanks to Jayson Tatum, they’ll still have a chance to make a playoff run.
Tatum scored 32 of his 50 points in the second half, and the Celtics rallied to beat the Washington Wizards 118-100 in the play-in round on Tuesday night.
Kemba Walker added 29 points for Boston, which secured the seventh seed for the playoffs and a first-round matchup with second-seeded Brooklyn. That series opens on Saturday.
Tatum has drawn criticism at times for his quiet leadership style. He said Tuesday’s performance was how he wants to lead.
