Wizards’ shooting guard tied Gilbert Arenas’ franchise record with a 60-point night in Wednesday’s loss.
Bradley Beal posted a team-high 27 points in Washington’s 123-122 upset of the Brooklyn Nets on Jan. 3. That was his lowest point total of the season.
Once the third quarter of Wednesday’s game in Philadelphia came to a close, the former Florida Gator was still leading the Wizards in scoring. Only with exactly 30 more points than his total from the previous outing.
Beal is now averaging an NBA-best 34.3 points per game — nearly five points above current runners-up Stephen Curry and James Harden.
“Special player. He’s special,” Wizards head coach Scott Brooks said after Beal’s 60-point performance. “I’ve been with him for five years. Every year, he’s gotten better.”
Beal has scored at least 25 points in 30 of his last 31 games dating back to last season. And in all 31 of those games, he has scored at least 20, the longest active streak in The Association.
He set his career-high by tying his franchise’s all-time record on Wednesday. But his team came up short, 141-136.
“I’m pissed off. I’m mad,” Beal said. “I don’t count any of my career highs that have been in losses, so I don’t give a damn. Throw them out the window with the other two or three I had.”
The last time Beal played at TD Garden was in a 140-133 loss on Nov. 13, 2019, where he dropped 44 points. Throughout his career, Beal has averaged 19.1 points in 24 meetings with the Celtics.
Washington won its other two games against Boston last season, including a 96-90 victory on Aug. 20, 2020, which gave the team — missing Beal, along with former Wizard John Wall and Davis Bertans — its only win in the Orlando, Florida, bubble.
Tonight’s game tips off at 7:30 p.m. and can be seen on NBC Sports Washington and NBC Sports Boston.
The Numbers
Wizards: 2-5, L1, 13th in East, coming off a 141-136 loss to PHI
Celtics: 6-3, W3, 4th in East, coming off a 107-105 win over MIA
All-Time Series: Celtics lead 192-116
2019-20 Season Series: Wizards won 2-1
The Line: Celtics are a 5.5-point favorite; O/U 234.5
How to Watch and Listen
Friday, January 8, 2021, 7:30 p.m. EST, TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
TV: NBC Sports Washington
Radio: WFED 1500 AM (Washington, D.C.)