Wizards clinch first playoff berth in six years

The wait is over for the Wizards, who finally made clinching a playoff spot for the first time in six years official Wednesday night by dominating the Boston Celtics wire-to-wire for their largest margin of victory of the season, 118-92, in front of 17,770 at Verizon Center.

Marcin Gortat had his way inside with Jared Sullinger, who came off the bench and earned most of the playing time at center for Boston (23-52). Gortat had 16 of his 22 points and seven of his game-high eight rebounds at halftime. Bradley Beal scored 19, John Wall added 13 points and 10 assists, Trevor Ariza 18 points and seven rebounds and Trevor Booker 10 points.

All five starters for the Wizards (39-36) were in double-figure scoring after three quarters. When Gortat scores 20 or more, they're 4-0.

In his first action vs. Wall since 2012, Rajon Rondo led the Celtics with 13 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Sullinger had a game-high 25 points and Jeff Green, a product of Georgetown, was held to 13 points on 3-for-13 shooting.

The Wizards kept pace for the No. 6 seed ahead of the Charlotte Bobcats (37-38), who won their third game in four Wednesday by punishing the Philadelphia 76ers 123-93.

The Brooklyn Nets (40-34), who are in the No. 5 spot, were routed by the New York Knicks 110-81. The Nets are just 1.5 games ahead of Washington. The Knicks (33-43) have jumped into the eighth and final playoff spot coupled with the Atlanta Hawks' seventh loss in 10 games. The Hawks (32-42) fell to the Chicago Bulls 105-92 on Wednesday.

-- J. Michael, CSN Washington