Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards: What Went Right in Game 3

By Jen Julie Smith

May 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris (5) celebrates with Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) against the Boston Celtics in the third quarter in game three of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 116-89. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris (5) celebrates with Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) against the Boston Celtics in the third quarter in game three of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 116-89. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris (5) dunks the ball against the Boston Celtics in the third quarter in game three of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 116-89. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris (5) dunks the ball against the Boston Celtics in the third quarter in game three of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 116-89. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Markieff Morris Message Got Across

After Tuesday’s loss, Morris “gently” let his team about the indelible value of toughness, and the importance of playing with heart:

“We’re not playing tough enough. We had the advantage late in the game and all we had to do is play tough. We didn’t have to make shots. We didn’t have to get stops. All we had to do is play tough,” said Morris, who returned from a bad left ankle sprain from Game 1 to post 16 points and six rebounds in 27 minutes of play.”

Interestingly enough, Morris wasn’t the tough guy on Thursday’s win. The rest of the Wizards followed Keef’s message, and wore their heart on their jerseys.

More from Wiz of Awes

This time Washington was the aggressor, driving the lanes, and crushed the Celtics in paint points.

They matched the Celtics body blow to body blow.

Gortat Laid the Boom Down on Beantown

Al Horford was no match for Marcin Gortat inside the paint.

Gortat had Horford shook, because in Game 2 Horford had 12 rebounds. But on Thursday, Gortat cleaned up the glass and Horford.

With Gortat crashing the boards, Horford only had 2 rebounds.

Gortat who has been consistent throughout this series, scored another double-double, ending the game with 13 points, and 16 rebounds.

The Wizards dodged a bullet with Horford. I’m so glad he chose the Celtics over Washington, because the Wizards are a classy organization, and his “type” of play would’ve stuck up the joint.

The Wizards Inside Man – Ian Mahinmi

Ian Mahinmi finally returned to the Wizards’ lineup, the last time he played was April 10. There was also a sighting of the Loch Ness Monster at the same time. Coincidence?

Although Mahinmi only played 9 minutes they were quality minutes. He was “sorely” needed to backup Gortat.

Mahinmi’s return was a sight for sore eyes.  One thing Mahinmi does so beautifully is to protect the paint, and be there for the putback.

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