Washington Wizards Wearing All Black Against Boston Celtics

Washington Wizards have decided to wear all black against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night, signifying a funeral-like procession.

The term “rivalry” is often used to describe match-ups with teams that have competed in the past, but there’s no set criteria for it.

Sometimes, rivalries begin because teams meet multiple times in the NBA Finals, for instance. Other times, it’s just bad blood that causes it.

Over the past several years, the Washington Wizards and Boston Celtics have started what could be considered a rivalry.

Both teams have players on their respective rosters that are known to play with a sometimes overwhelming amount of intensity.

John Wall is one of the league’s leaders in technical fouls this season and Markieff Morris has earned a reputation for being a hothead during his turbulent time with the Phoenix Suns.

On the other side, Marcus Smart, Isaiah Thomas and Jae Crowder are known for their gritty nature of play that’s sometimes interpreted as “dirty.”

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In an earlier meeting this season, the two sides became heated and it escalated after the game.

Wall and Crowder got into a physical altercation, and both were fined by the NBA for their actions.

At that point, even, the Washington Wizards struggled to stay afloat in the standings, making it difficult to call their games against the Boston Celtics, who are currently third in the East, a “rivalry.”

But now, the Wizards have climbed up the standings and are sitting comfortably in the fifth spot.

Wall, Beal and Otto Porter have all played at an All-Star level, making them a tough out for any team in the league, including the Celtics.

Following Monday’s road victory against the Charlotte Hornets, the Wizards’ players spoke about their upcoming match-up against the Celtics as if it was a playoff game on their schedule.

"“We’re wearing all black to the game,” Kelly Oubre Jr. said. “So you know where we’re going with that. … We’re ready for whatever, man. Round three. Let’s get it.”"

Washington is looking for its 14th consecutive victory at home. Their performances inside the Verizon Center have been significantly better than the ones on the road, so the momentum – especially coming off a win on Monday – is on their side.

But they’ve also put an immeasurable amount of pressure on themselves, which could cause just as much embarrassment if things don’t necessarily go as planned.

The Celtics are 13-9 on the road, which is good for second in the East behind the Cleveland Cavaliers. Thomas is a darkhorse for MVP and has given Wall fits since his rookie season in Sacramento.

Eventually, the Washington Wizards’ winning streak is going to end at home.

They’ve played with a carefree attitude, almost, as Wall has led the way with his effort, particularly on the defensive end of the floor. Even more importantly, the Wizards’ carefree-like play has led to fluid offense. With pressure, that could all go away.

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The odds aren’t necessarily on the Wizards’ side. A simple act, like wearing all black to the game, could end up being an embarrassing, yet avoidable mistake.