BOSTON -- The Washington Wizards don't see Jared Sullinger again until Jan. 16.
Even that's too soon for this frontcourt-challenged team.
"He's been great against them both games he's played this year," Celtics coach Brad Stevens said after Sullinger delivered 18 points, 15 rebounds, three assists and two blocked shots in less than 24 minutes as Boston routed Washington 111-78 on Friday night.
"In just 23 minutes to have 18 and 15 is pretty special. He's a guy that we need, he's a guy that we need to rebound, he's a guy that we need to score, shoot the ball in for us, all that stuff."
Earlier this month, Sullinger had 21 points, nine boards, three assists and two blocks in less than 22 minutes against Washington, with the Celtics winning by 20.
"He's always been a great rebounder," Stevens said of Sullinger, who is averaging 11 points and 9.4 rebounds per game this season. "Since watching him play as a kid, when that ball hits his hands, it sticks."
Sullinger said, "When you're in the right defensive position, the rebounds come easier. I have a go-get-it mindset when it comes to rebounding."
Stevens thought the momentum created by Wednesday's comeback win over the winless Philadelphia 76ers may well have propelled the Celtics to the quick start and wire-to-wire performance.
Now Stevens hopes the Celtics take that momentum on the road for the upcoming five-game trip that includes a game against Rajon Rondo and the Sacramento Kings in Mexico City.
"Just constantly moving the ball and defend," Sullinger said of potential road success. "I think we did a great job the last few minutes of the Philly game and tonight. Moving the ball and finding the right shot instead of forcing a shot."
Guard Isaiah Thomas scored 21 points, forward Jae Crowder had 17, guard Avery Bradley added 16 points and forwards David Lee and Kelly Olynyk contributed 12 points apiece for the Celtics.
Asked about Sullinger, Crowder said, "He's a big part of our success, an anchor in the middle."
Lee had six rebounds and four assists and Olynyk hit three 3-pointers in the fourth quarter.
Making things tougher for Washington in the frontcourt was the early loss of forward Nene, who left in the first quarter with a calf strain. He was called for an offensive (blocking) foul with 3:19 left in the first quarter and went directly to the locker room after the whistle blew.
"A little bit of everything tonight," Washington coach Randy Wittman said. "Right now, we're a team that's solely based on -- we play hard and we play good when the ball's going to the rim. And I think in the first quarter we were 22 percent at one of the timeouts. It just sucks the energy out of us."
The loss was the third straight for the Wizards (6-7), who blew a nine-point lead in the fourth quarter and lost to the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night.
Forward Jared Dudley came off the bench to lead Washington with 19 points and five rebounds. Guard Bradley Beal had 16 points as the Wizards. Guard John Wall, who came in averaging 16.5 points and 7.9 assists per game but struggling with his shooting, had a terrible night, finishing with 10 points and six assists.
"We struggle with this team," Dudley said. "It's two times that they kind of kicked our butt."
NOTES: With G Marcus Smart still on crutches with a knee injury, Boston coach Brad Stevens said before the game: "We could be talking quite a few more games for sure. But there's no precise timeline on it." Stevens said Smart will not play on the upcoming five-game trip to Orlando, Miami and Mexico City. The Celtics play the Sacramento Kings in Mexico City next Thursday. ... Washington G John Wall came in shooting just 41.6 percent from the field and has 16 turnovers and 17 assists in the last three games, all losses. "I just got to play better, in my opinion," Wall said. "The team is not going to do well if I'm not leading this team on both ends of the floor." ... The Wizards have turned the ball over 46 times in two losses in Boston. ... Washington hosts the Toronto Raptors on Saturday night.
