Ghost of Christmas Future, as the Wizards stuff the Celtics

On Christmas Day, the Washington Wizards laid the boom down on Beantown, stuffing the Boston Celtics, 113-103.

On Christmas Day, the Washington Wizards and Boston Celtics met up for the first time since that fateful Game 7. The Wizards starting lineup remained the same. Although there were a lot of new faces in that Celtic green, a friendly rivalry still remains.

This game was the Ghost of Christmas Future. Was this a harbinger of things to come—would the Wizards or the Celtics reach the conference finals? Going into the game, Boston had the best record in the East, but it’s a long season, so the Wizards shouldn’t be counted out.

Because the Ghost of Christmas Present brought good tidings for Washington, as they stuffed the Celtics, 111-103.

It was a hard-fought game—twin against twin, John Wall against Kyrie Irving and a test of the Wizards’ will and determination.

Markieff Morris would play against his identical twin, Marcus Morris. While Wall and Irving battled it out. But the most impressive storyline was that of Kelly Oubre, Jr. He only played six seconds in Game 7. But in 32 minutes on Christmas Day, Oubre was a difference maker in this big Wizards win.

On the other end of the floor, the rookie Jayson Tatum was a problem for Washington. He finished with 20 points, including two 3-pointers.

The Wizards came out aggressive, controlled the tempo and played defense, with five steals in the first half. The bench lost momentum in the second quarter, but the Wizards would come roaring back.

Coach Scott Brooks would go small to close out the game, with a lineup of Wall, Bradley Beal, Keef, Oubre, and Otto Porter.

The Wizards Bench

The Wizards’ bench lost the momentum in the second quarter, and Wall had to come in with more than 8 minutes left, while Irving got rest. Hopefully, the second unit gets it together, so that Wall won’t be tired during the postseason.

Kelly Oubre wasn’t the problem, as he had 8 points in his first 7 minutes of play.

The Wizards bench was outscored by the Celtics’ bench 22-11, in the first half.

To finish the game, the Wizards bench had 20 points and Oubre had 16 of those points, including a three-pointer. While the Celtics bench had 43.

The second unit has been a bright spot for Washington this season, but against Boston they were just too slow. Maybe it was the bright lights of national television, but whatever the case may be, here’s hoping they shake it off for the postseason.

The Three-Point Line

Marcin Gortat did a good job on the inside. With less than 4 minutes left in the third quarter, the Polish Machine already had a double-double, with 11 points and 10 rebounds. He was also perfect from the free throw line, 3-for-3.

However, Gortat wasn’t able to defend Al Horford on the perimeter. Coach Scott Brooks would go with a small ball lineup to close out the fourth quarter.

Washington ended the first half shooting 2-for-11 from 3-point range. They missed three wide open chances from deep in a single possession. While Boston shot 5-for-17 going into halftime.

The Wizards ended the game 6-for-26 from 3-point range . While the Celtics went 14-for-29 from deep.

Bradley Beal didn’t make a single three, but he was aggressive at the rim.

Keef had a great game, knocking down two corner threes, finishing the game with 14 points and 7 rebounds. He also managed to stay out of foul trouble, and stay on the floor to help solidify the win.

Wizards Starters and Kelly Oubre

Kyrie Irving started to heat up in the third quarter, making circus shots. He was able to do so, because he got a lot of rest in the second quarter. But John Wall never left his foot off the gas.

Wall didn’t give Irving airspace in the fourth quarter. It was a matchup for the ages between the two elite point guards. Wall recorded a double-double with 21 points and 14 assists. While Irving had 20 points and 5 assists.

Those assists made all the difference in the final stanza, as Wall ran the offense to make sure his entire team was involved.

Otto Porter did a great job inside the paint on the offensive boards. He scored 12 points in the third quarter alone, and was fouled on a 3-point attempt, making two of his free throws.

Porter crashed the glass with 6 rebounds. He was everywhere on the floor, knocking down three 3-pointers, finishing with 20 points.

Although Beal’s three-point shots weren’t falling, he was making buckets and buckets, nonetheless. He was driving to the basket, and making jumpers.

The sharpshooter was just locked in, as he led all scorers with 25 points. On the defensive end, Beal had 8 rebounds. Game 7 was still fresh in his memory, as he played “not on my watch” (or Rolex).

In the fourth quarter, the Wizards would go on a 12-0 run. Including a crucial three by Oubre, with a little more than 4 minutes left in the fourth quarter. Wall would later steal the ball from Irving, and serve up the most beautiful dish to Beal for the dunk.

This game showed that when the Wizards play with high energy and maintain focus, they can beat any team. On the flip side, it showed that the second unit still needs a little work to have a good postseason run. It’s good to know that now before another Game 7.

Both teams gave the best basketball gift of all—an enjoyable matchup this holiday season.

On Wednesday, the Wizards take on the Atlanta Hawks.