The second round of Eastern Conference playoffs started on Sunday afternoon. Top-seeded Boston Celtics team hosted the number four seed Washington Wizards in Game 1 of their semifinals matchup. It was a fully packed TD Garden in Boston with 19,000 passionate, energetic Celtics fans ready to see their team win the opening game of the second round.
The Celtics and the Wizards met four times during the regular season with each team winning their two home games. Prior to Sunday's matchup, Boston had won five straight games against Washington at home.
Celtics rally back after a slow start
Washington started off the game with much more energy and confidence than their opponent. They were hot early on as they opened up the game with an early 16-0 lead and it seemed like they can't miss. Boston, on the other hand, didn’t make a single field goal in the first 5:18 of the first quarter.
Midway through the first quarter, it was 22-5 for Washington and after the first quarter, the score was 38-24 for the away squad. After a slow start in the first period, Boston responded with a great second quarter. Early in the second they went on an 18-4 run and tied the game at 42-42. The Wizards had the lead at halftime, it was 64-59.
They had 18-second chance points in the first half.
The third quarter was all about Boston. They outscored Washington 36-16 in that period and forced them into eight turnovers. Boston shot 15-for-27 in the quarter and held a 95-80 lead going into the fourth quarter.
Midway through the fourth period, Washington managed to come within three points (101-98) but that was the closest they would come.
The Celtics closed out the game on 24-16 in the final 7:08 and took a 123-111 win in Game 1. Brad Stevens' team finished the game with 32 assists and 11 turnovers. They were 19-for-39 from the three-point line and shot 51% from the field. With 19 made three-pointers, Boston tied a postseason franchise record for most triples in a game.
Thomas comes up big in Game 1
Five players scored at least 12 points for Boston on Sunday. isaiah thomas led them with 33 points and nine assists. Thomas was 5-for-11 from behind the arc. Jae Crowder scored 24 points to go along with his six rebounds. Crowder made a career-high six three-pointers. Al Horford contributed with 21 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds for Boston.
Bradley Beal was the leading scorer for Washington in Game 1. He finished with 27 points and four rebounds, while John Wall added 20 points and 16 assists. Bojan Bogdanovic helped with 10 points off the bench for the Wizards.
Boston now leads the series 1-0 with Game 2 to be played on Tuesday night.
