Wiz of Awes
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What the Washington Wizards Must Do To Get a Win in Game 7

By Ryan Eugene

May 12, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) celebrates while leaving the court after defeating the Boston Celtics in game six of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 92-91, and tied the series at 3-3. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) celebrates while leaving the court after defeating the Boston Celtics in game six of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 92-91, and tied the series at 3-3. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 12, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Boston Celtics forward Amir Johnson (90) and Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris (5) battle for a rebound in the first quarter in game six of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Boston Celtics forward Amir Johnson (90) and Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris (5) battle for a rebound in the first quarter in game six of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

During the regular season the Boston Celtics were 27th in the league in rebounding. It’s shown over the season that when they are dominated in the rebounding department, they tend to fall.

When the Celtics have flourished in this series, it has been a product of offensive rebounding. Because of the amount of three-point shooters on the floor (usually four-five players), offensive rebounds tend to lead to kick outs.

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Isaiah Thomas, Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder, and Al Horford have each had a game this series with at least four three pointers. The C’s have shot the most three pointers of any team this postseason, and offensive rebounding has helped Boston to keep the number of attempts high.

As the offense runs mostly through Thomas, making him uncomfortable will be a defensive key. When Thomas isn’t able to get open threes, his comfort level drops significantly.

We’ve seen him turn the ball over during the season when beginning his shot attempt, before ultimately passing the ball before he comes to the ground. We saw an aggressive trap on IT late in Game 6, that although a pass, led to a turnover and Beal’s transition three pointer, which cut the Wizards’ deficit to two points.

Another plus of rebounding and defending the three-point line is the energy it gives the team. The Wizards have maintained that they win when playing physical, and rebounding and defending are two of the most physical components of a team.

Not allowing players like Marcus Smart and Avery Bradley to beat the Wizards bigs to loose balls and rebounds. Forcing tough shots will lead to rebounds and turnovers, hopefully sparking some transition baskets for Washington. As per usual, the team is at it’s best win scoring transition baskets.

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