BOSTON (AP) — Down two guards, the Boston Celtics got a career- best from reserve Avery Bradley.

Bradley scored 23 points, including 15 in the first quarter to get the Boston off to a quick start, and the shorthanded Celtics held off the Washington Wizards 88-76 on Sunday.

With Ray Allen (ankle) and Mickael Pietrus (head injury) out of the lineup, the Celtics may need more from Bradley as they try to catch Philadelphia in the Atlantic Division.

Paul Pierce added 21 points and eight rebounds, Rajon Rondo had 11 assists, and Kevin Garnett finished with 10 points and six assists for the Celtics, who shot 22 for 34 (65 percent) in the first half.

Bradley made his first seven attempts and missed just once in the half.

“I could have scored those layups. I’m being serious,” Washington coach Randy Wittman said.

With the win and a loss by Philadelphia at San Antonio on Sunday, the Celtics moved within a half- game of the division lead.

Boston led by as much as 25 before cooling off in the second half. The Celtics allowed Washington to get as close as eight, but ended the threat quickly and won for the third time in four games.

The Celtics had played their last eight on the road, partly because TD Garden hosted the NCAA Tournament East Regional over the weekend. And after their first home game since March 9, the Celtics immediately hit the road again for a game at Charlotte on Monday night.

Jordan Crawford scored 20 points, and Kevin Seraphin had 15 points and 11 rebounds for Washington. John Wall added 12 points and nine assists.