BOSTONOnce again the Boston Celtics jumped on the Washington Wizards early.
And once again, whatever control that early run generated was a faint memory when the game mattered most.
Just like in the nation's capital on Saturday, the Celtics found themselves involved in a down-to-the-wire finish against the Wizards.
But it wasn't defense to the rescue this time -- it was Brandon Bass who scored five straight in overtime to help the Celtics escape with a 100-94 win.
Bass, who came off the Celtlcs bench for the second straight game, finished with 11 points and seven rebounds.
He was among several Celtics backups to play well for the C's (2-2).
"Whole lot of energy," Bass said moments after the game. "That's what we need to bring."
He added that it feels "good to get a win, especially at home."
Kevin Garnett had 20 points and 13 rebounds in what was easily his best game of the season.
Even with Garnett setting the tone with strong play at both ends of the floor, the Celtics once again put themselves in position for a much tougher game than it should have been.
After a lackluster second quarter, it was Garnett once again delivering at the start of the third quarter with a two consecutive baskets to cut Washington's lead to just 42-41.
After a Wizards turnover, Garnett was fouled on a lay-up attempt. After converting the first of two attempts, Washington was on the short end of a 5-0 Garnett run to tie the game at 42.
From there, both teams went back and fourth throughout the remainder of the third quarter which ended with the Celtics surging ahead, 66-58.
Boston's bench, which has struggled throughout the still-young season, was instrumental in the C's pulling away in the third quarter.
A lay-up by Chris Wilcox put the Celtics ahead 64-58. A long jumper by Jason Terry would be the final points scored in the quarter.
The Washington Wizards refused to go away quietly even as the game's momentum had clearly shifted towards the home team.
The Wizards bench continued to keep them in the game with one big shot after another.
But down the stretch, too much Garnett and company proved to be too much for the Wizards (0-3) who remain winless.
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