The Washington Wizards and Boston Celtics have some history between them, and it's only a matter of time until they add more to that list. The Wizards are down 2 to 1 but play a game 4 in Washington, where anything can happen. These two teams are so evenly matched that we may be destined for a 7-game series.
Game 3 recap
John Wall dominated the Celtics in a chippy game 3. Wall led the team with 24 points, Otto Porter Jr. and Bojan Bogdanovic both had 19, and the Wizards got a real balanced scoring attack that we haven't seen yet this series. John Wall has been Mr.
Consistent all series, but no one else has stepped up. Bradley Beal has been inconsistent, and the bench and role players haven't stepped up until game 3. Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kelly Olynyk got into it. After a moving screen call on Olynyk, Oubre was knocked to the ground. Oubre popped up and sprinted straight for Olynyk, spearing him to the ground. This sequence of events is what the teams have been going through throughout the whole season, not just the playoffs. Oubre will be suspended for game 4.
Keys for Boston
Boston came into a dogfight in game three. The game was chippy, featuring multiple technicals and ejections. The biggest key for Boston in this game is matching the intensity and urgency of Washington.
The Wizards came to play and came to win. The Celtics have to up their energy and attack the Wizards. TGhey're going to have to help out Isaiah Thomas. The Wizards did good at defending him last game and he didn't take many shots. He needs to get going and then when he finds shooters, guys need to hit shots to keep the spacing.
Keys for Washington
Washington has started with a solid lead in all three games. Finally, in game 3, they didn't blow their lead. This looked like a bit of a turning point for the team. They garnered a lead and then clamped down on defense. They have to do the same in game 4. Their defense is what got them the win. Secondly, John Wall needs to trust his teammates like he did in game 3.
Sometimes he gets into a mode where he's just going to shoot every time down the floor. In some situations this is good, but the Wizards are a lot more dangerous when Wall doesn't settle for shots, but instead gets to the rim or kicks it out. Lastly, the Wizards need to defend the perimeter better. They did well in game 3 but overall they still need to come out with that urgency.
This game will be a lot closer than in game 3, but the energy that Washington brought to game 3 was a big turning point in this series.
