Washington Wizards vs. Boston Celtics: What Went Wrong In Game 1 For Washington
Washington Wizards seemed to gain an insurmountable lead, but squandered it quickly against the Boston Celtics in Game-1. Here’s what went wrong.
The Washington Wizards started Game-1 against the Boston Celtics on a 16-0 run.
But then all of their weaknesses – the ones that plagued them throughout the season – came out in full force.
So, what exactly went wrong?
Mismatch.
Otto Porter should not be defending Isaiah Thomas…ever. Thomas led all scorers, ending the game with 33 points.
When Thomas was defended by Bradley Beal, the Wizards’ shooting guard disrupted Thomas from getting to the 3-point line.
Protect the Ball.
John Wall had 16 assists, but half were practically cancelled out by Wall’s 8 turnovers. The Wizards’ mental lapses were a problem all season, which should’ve been corrected by now.
Defend the Perimeter.
The Celtics turned the game into a 3-point clinic.
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Boston didn’t get a season high in 3-pointers, the Wizards handed them a franchise high, because they tied their team’s playoff franchise record of 19.
Kelly Olynyk off the bench was perfect behind the arc, going 2 for 2.
That not only gave the Boston life, but gave the Celtics confidence down the stretch.
Although Al Horford is a center, he added the three-ball to his arsenal.
Marcin Gortat has to start defending Horford the second Horford crosses the timeline.
Horford is not like a regular center that you’re going to battle in the paint. Therefore, Gortat can’t play him like a regular center, as he did Dwight Howard during the first round.
This is also a mismatch.
Morris left the game early in the second quarter due to a sprained ankle. This will cause the Celtics to play small-ball, likely with Marcus Smart sharing the court with two other guards.
Thankfully, although Keef wanted to return to the game and the medical staff advised against it, he’s a go for Game 2.
The Wizards definitely missed his mental toughness and defense.
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Once Keef went out it, changed the momentum of the game. The Wizards were no longer bringing the fight to the Celtics, but letting the fight come to them.
The Wizards didn’t attack the rim.
Washington has to find an answer for him. Not only did he have 24 points, he went 6 for 8 from the 3-point line.
Again, the Wizards are giving away points when they’re not properly defending the three-point line.
Kelly Oubre, Jr.
Oubre, who knocked down back-to-back threes, along with Bojan Bogdanovic, should’ve been put in earlier to defend Isaiah Thomas.
Oubre ended the game with 12 points and was 2 for 4 from downtown.
Rotation.
Boston had no problem changing up their rotation in the middle of the game when Keef went out and sensed that there’s now a hole in the Wizards’ defense and toughness. The Wizards have to do the same, and put Beal and Oubre on Thomas.
Make Your Free Throws.
All the Celtics starters that saw the free throw line were practically perfect from the charity stripe.
The Wizards starters were for 10 for 17. Again, the Wizards gave away points.
The turnovers, protecting the ball, rebounding and not making your free throws – you’re not only giving away points, you just gave away the game.
What should Washington do for Game 2?
One, make sure Keef is playing. Two, put Beal and Oubre on Thomas. Three, Wall has to limit his turnovers.
Four, rebound. Five, the second-unit, to start the half, can’t lose the double-digit lead that the Wizards built up.
And finally, defend the 3-point line. As Beal said postgame to the media, “when you give up that many threes, 19, you have a very slim chance of winning the game.”
Next: John Wall Is the Forgotten MVP Candidate
Wrote all this to say, Wizards must start playing defense. Offensively, you’re going to make your baskets, but to win the game and the series, you have to prevent the Celtics from making theirs.