Celtics outlast Wizards in Game 2 behind Thomas’ huge night: 3 takeaways

Isaiah Thomas powered the Celtics late to secure another comeback win over the Wizards. Here are three key takeaways from Game 2.

The Celtics and Wizards engaged in a back-and-forth duel late in Game 2. But the start to Tuesday night’s game was eerily similar to how the series began on Sunday.

The Wizards sauteed the Celtics early by scoring 42 points in the first quarter of Tuesday night’s game. Washington got whatever they desired and Boston was helpless.

The Celtics fought their way back into the game behind physical play and the offensive brilliance of Isaiah Thomas. The two teams exchanged blows late before Thomas took over the game again. Boston outscored Washington 15-5 in overtime to grab a 2-0 series lead.

Takeaways

Isaiah Thomas can’t guard anyone, but it doesn’t matter. How sick must one be to carry a hallowed NBA franchise on the big stage as a 5-foot-9 point guard in 2017? Also, when you consider that same vertically challenged point guard is one of the worst defenders in the league, it’s so much more disorienting. And the Wizards do not appear to have the answers.

Thomas scored an astounding 53 points including 27 in the fourth quarter and overtime. He shot 18-for-33 from the field and sank five threes. Thomas was a nightmare in isolation after Washington switched on pick-and-rolls. He went around, through and over larger defenders (namely a chatty Markieff Morris) to get buckets. Thomas won’t win the MVP, but where would Boston be if not for his superhuman resolve?

Bradley Beal will need to procure his powers back from the Monstars. Beal looked bad for much of this game. He shot multiple airballs and looked completely disengaged through the first three quarters. Beal showed signs of life by scoring 10 in the fourth quarter, but air-mailed the potential game-winning shot.

Ultimately, Beal finished the game with 14 points on a dismal 4-for-15 shooting night. It happens to the best of them, but the Wizards lack the requisite depth to overcome slumps to this degree. If Avery Bradley is going to play Beal to a draw with much less usage, then Washington is in dire straits. It would behoove BBeal to locate that mystical basketball to regain his form.

The Celtics’ apparent rope-a-dope strategy is working. Once again Washington came out like world beaters to take a 13-point lead over Boston after the opening period. John Wall looked like the best player on the floor and seemed prepared to even the series with or without his teammates.

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But despite Wall scoring 40 points and handing out 13 assists in Game 2, it was not enough. In a physically taxing contest, the Wizards appeared to run out of fight down the stretch. And that was precisely when the Celtics smelled blood and came alive to finish them off. Washington will have to pick their spots going forward since they cannot match Boston’s depth.