After six games, the Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards are knotted at three apiece in the series and will play a win-or-go-home Game 7 Monday evening at the TD Garden. So far, each team has won on their own home court. However, in Game 6, the Wizards barely escaped with the victory thanks to a game-winning three-pointer by John Wall. What can we except from this crucial Game 7?
The home crowd will be a factor
In the regular season, this is what the Celtics played for, to host a Game 7 in front of their loud fans. One can expect the crowd to be electric right from the beginning, which should energize the Celtics.
Boston is undefeated at home in this series because they have been fueled by their loving fans. Their offense has been extremely electrifying at home, led by Isaiah Thomas. With Game 7 at the Boston Garden, the crowd will definitely be a factor.
John Wall’s heroics and his supporting cast
The Wizards need another heroic performance from John Wall. The All-Star point guard was huge in crunch time for Washington in Game 6, hitting the game-winning shot. With the team’s season on the line again, he will most likely propel his team, showing tremendous determination and focus. However, Wall cannot do everything on his own. Washington’s role players have been absolutely atrocious on the road but must give more in this game.
Brandon Jennings and Bojan Bogdanovic are going to be key to Washington’s ability to win the game. They have been inexcusably quiet during the series and need to provide more scoring off the bench, which is why the Wizards acquired them in the first place. Otto Porter Jr. and Kelly Oubre Jr. will also be important, as the team will need them to hit outside shots and defend at a high level.
The little man effect
In a Game 7 at home, we all know that Thomas is going to have a monster offensive performance. He has been leading his team all season and will not let them down. The little guy will use plenty of screen and rolls to either create shots for himself or his teammates. Thomas has proven himself as a prolific scorer in this league, and with a Game 7 in front of his home crowd; he will be at his absolute best.
Rebounding battle
The most important aspect is the rebounding battle. The Wizards are a better rebounding team, so they must take advantage of the Celtics on the glass. They should dominate Boston on the boards as they did in Games 3 and 4 if they want to advance. That may be the only way the Wizards escape with a win.
Game 7 is scheduled for 8 pm Eastern Time and will be televised on TNT.
