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

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; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) dribbles the ball as Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) defends 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; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) dribbles the ball as Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) defends 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 /

Simply put, the Wizards need consistent production from the starting frontcourt and the bench players. In Game 6, Washington was able to pull out the win although Otto Porter scored 0 points and Marcin Gortat had 4 points. The bench, which routinely plays better at home, contributed 13 points.

When the Wizards are at their best, they are hitting threes and playing fast. So much of that includes sharpshooting from Porter and Bojan Bogdanovic.

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An active and effective Marcin Gortat will hopefully keep Al Horford working on defense, and possibly force some foul trouble his way.

Washington’s bench has been much maligned the entire season, and the bench players have such a great opportunity to put some of that discussion to rest.

As great as the starters have played over the season, there’s only so much responsibility they can carry. Basketball is a team sport, and every player will be counted on.

Bench players, even those who don’t play, need to be active and engaged when not on the floor. The five men on the floor will look to them for advice on what’s happening on the floor from a sideline perspective.

Bench players who do take the court, will need to know the flow of the game they are entering. Who’s hot for the Celtics, who is in foul trouble, and what trends need to be reversed.

To pull of a tough win in Game 7, every player needs to stay fully engaged.