After Isaiah Thomas and the Boston Celtics stole Game 2 and a commanding 2-0 series lead, they should have expected to be going up against a completely different Washington Wizards team at home in Game 3. That was exactly what they got, as Washington was able to dominate the Celtics throughout and narrow the series lead to 2-1 with an 113-89 win.
We saw tensions between these two Eastern Conference rivals reach an all-time high tonight, as refs gave out seven technical fouls, 1 ejection, and 2 disqualifications.
As every game has started this series, the Wizards were able to take command in the first quarter. After a back and forth start, Washington ripped off a 22-0 run towards the end of the period. Instead of being carried by John wall like they were in the last couple matchups, it was the role players such as Otto Porter and even Bojan Bogdanovic off the bench that led them to a 39-17 first quarter lead.
For Boston, 17 was the lowest amount of points they’ve put up in a first quarter so far this series. All-star point guard Isaiah Thomas was shut down from the get-go and was unable to find his game all night after exploding for a historic 53-point performance in Game 2. Towards the end of the quarter, we saw a scuffle between backup bigs big Ian Mahinmi, who was making his playoffs debut, and Jonas Jerebko. This run-in set the tone for the rest of the game, as players from both sides would bump heads repeatedly from that point forward.
Ian Mahinmi and Jonas Jerebko get into it as a fan calls Jerebko a bum ?#NBAplayoffs pic.twitter.com/vrRl79d0Fi
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) May 5, 2017
The second quarter was when the intensity between these two foes really ramped up. We saw frustration boil over from Wizards wing Kelly Oubre Jr. as he decked Kelly Olynyk in the chest after feeling like he was the victim of an unnecessarily aggressive screen. Oubre was ejected immediately from the contest and may receive a phone call from the NBA regarding a fine or suspension.
This run-in set the tone for the rest of the game, as players from both sides would bump heads repeatedly from that point forward.
Basketball-wise, Porter continued his brilliance from the floor hitting his first seven shots from the floor. With wings Avery Bradley and Jae Crowder typically taking care of Washington’s backcourt of Wall and Bradley Beal defensively, Porter is frequently being checked by 5’9″ Isaiah Thomas, a mismatch the forward has to take advantage of. Going into halftime, Boston continued their sluggish ways on offense and found themselves in a 63-40 hole at the break.
Unlike in previous games, the second half saw the Wizards come out and sustain their level of play in the first half, adding points to their lead. Wall began to take over like he has so often this season and the lead remained secure for much of the second half.
John Wall. Too fast. Right to the rim ?#DCFamily pic.twitter.com/tNdWdtbJnU
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) May 5, 2017
The energy at home was different than what it was like in Boston and the Wizards were able to ride the momentum behind their crowd for much of the night. The Celtics offense continued to look sloppy, especially when backup guard Marcus Smart was running things as he finished with 8 turnovers.
In the fourth quarter, things between the sides got chippy once again. This time it was backup guards Brandon Jennings and Terry Rozier who got into an altercation, resulting in both players disqualification.
Terry Rozier and Brandon Jennings get a little chippy and eventually both are ejected, because why not? pic.twitter.com/6b99802RsO
— Def Pen Hoops (@DefPenHoops) May 5, 2017
For much of the final quarter, Washington was able to cruise to the finish line. Wall and Beal didn’t have to get up off the bench for Washington as the Wizards were able to secure the one-sided 113-89 win to make the series 2-1.
Bojan Bogdanovic was one of the difference makers in Game 3 as his 19 points off the bench finally gave the Washington starting lineup, who all hit double figures, some backup.
While Beal continued his struggles from the field, Wall was able to lead the way with 24 points and 8 assists while Porter added 19. Wall got the help he desperately needed and the Wizards were able to sustain their high level of play for a full 48 minutes.
For Boston, Isaiah’s measly 13 points have to be concerning in a series where they don’t want to allow the Wizards to gain any semblance of hope in. With another high-stake matchup upcoming in Game 4 on Sunday, we should expect both teams to be at their best.
