Where Celtics Stand in the NBA Cup After Crucial Win Over Wizards originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

The Boston Celtics’ NBA Cup hopes are still alive after Friday night’s hard-fought victory over the Washington Wizards.

They improved to 2-1 in the group stage with their 108-96 win, increasing their points difference to +14. Point difference is a tiebreaker in the tournament, along with head-to-head matches.

Shortly after the C’s victory, the East Group C-leading Atlanta Hawks fell to 2-1 with their 136-122 loss to the Chicago Bulls. That gives Boston a chance to overtake Atlanta for the top spot if it beats Chicago and the Hawks fall to the Cleveland Cavaliers in their final group stage match next Friday.

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