Celtics

NBA scores: Boston completes tight two-game sweep of Wizards

The Boston Celtics won both of their games in a home-and-home against the Washington Wizards, but neither was by a comfortable margin.

By Rodger Sherman Nov 8, 2012, 9:51am EST

It wasn't pretty, but the Boston Celtics won a second straight game against the Washington Wizards, sweeping a home-and-home with the projected Eastern Conference cellar dwellers by a combined nine points after Wednesday's overtime affair.

The Celtics are expected, as usual, to be one of the elites in the East, while the Wizards were expected to sputter without John Wall and Nene in the lineup to start the season. But Washington fought hard and nearly pulled out both games: they rallied back Saturday night to tie the game at 86 before Paul Pierce hit a late three to seal the game. Then, Wednesday night, the Wizards again battled back to tie the game up on a Chris Singleton dunk - this time at 88 - but Rajon Rondo's jumper to win the game missed. Brandon Bass carried the C's in OT, and they left with a 100-94 victory.

The wins look good in the standings, but they were both a bit hairier than Boston might have liked in supposed mismatches. The Celtics are now 2-2 on the season, although neither win has been comfortable. The veteran team obviously cares more about the postseason than November, but their early performances haven't been ideal. Rondo is looking like a superstar, leading the league in assists while averaging 16.0 of his own on under 12 shots, but Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett have been less efficient than ever and Jason Terry hasn't been Ray Allen.

Here's a full look at Wednesday night's action:

Washington Wizards, 100, Boston 94, OT

Atlanta Hawks, 89, Indiana Pacers, 86

Phoenix Suns, 117, Charlotte Bobcats, 110

Miami Heat, 103, Brooklyn Nets, 73

Minnesota Timberwolves, 90, Orlando Magic, 75

Memphis Grizzlies, 108, Milwaukee Bucks, 80

Philadelphia 76ers, 77, New Orleans Hornets, 62

Denver Nuggets, 93, Houston Rockets, 87

Dallas Mavericks, 109, Toronto Raptors, 104

Utah Jazz, 95, Los Angeles Lakers, 86

Sacramento Kings, 105, Detroit Pistons, 103