The Boston Celtics comeback from being down 16-0 in the first quarter to defeat the Washington Wizards 123-111 to take a 1-0 series lead. In this matchup, the Celtics were led by Isaiah Thomas’ team-high 33 points and 9 assists and Al Horford’s near triple-double performance.
In the first quarter, the Washington Wizards got off to a scorching start by leading the Celtics 16-0 with 8:04 remaining in the quarter. Boston was forced to sub out Gerald Green out just two minutes into the game because they were being dominated on the boards. With 6:41 remaining, the Celtics scored their first field goal and back-to-back Isaiah Thomas threes got them within 11 points. Battling back and forth, the Wizards were able to lead 38-24 after the first quarter.
DON’T MEEK MARKIEFF MORRIS AT THE RIM pic.twitter.com/sqa6dJJ8OI
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) April 30, 2017
Continuing their inspired play, the Celtics hit five straight shots to start the second quarter and cut the lead to 40-37. Once implementing their semi-bench lineup, Washington was outmatched and they fought to keep the lead for much of the quarter. Things took a turn for the worse with 7:16 remaining in the half when Wizards’ power forward Markieff Morris went down with an ankle injury after a foul. After taking his free throw’s, Morris left the game and did not return.
After being down 16-0, Washington was outscored 59-48 and only led 64-59 heading into halftime. Boston was able to get back into the game because of their great three-point shooting, as they hit nine first half three opposed to Washington’s five.
Isaiah Thomas getting fancy at the rim #Celtics pic.twitter.com/Ij8QgDDEmY
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) April 30, 2017
In the second half, the game took a turn for the worse for Washington as they came out stagnant and the Celtics took advantage very quickly. At the 7 minute mark, the Celtics took their first lead after a Jae Crowder corner three and led 73-71. After only having three first-half turnovers, the Wizards had 7 turnovers in the third quarter alone which helped Boston take the lead. Boston also took advantage of Washington’s depth and went back to their small lineup which helped Thomas dominate in pick and roll scenarios.
Avery Bradley steals it from Wall, John Wall gets a block, Jae Crowder splashes a 3!
Wiz v C’s should be fun pic.twitter.com/Y1Dc0VUJ5v
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) April 30, 2017
Heading into the fourth, the Celtics led 95-80 and were in full control of this game. Although the Wizards made things interesting after 10 straight points from Bojan Bogdanovic they were unable to threaten Boston’s lead. After being down 16-0, Boston battled their way back and dominated the Wizards for the rest of the way to take a 1-0 series lead.
