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NBA Playoffs 2017: Celtics vs. Wizards: 3 takeaways from Game 4

By Dre Elder

May 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) celebrates with Wizards guard Brandon Jennings (7) against the Boston Celtics in the third quarter in game three of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 116-89. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
May 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) celebrates with Wizards guard Brandon Jennings (7) against the Boston Celtics in the third quarter in game three of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 116-89. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Wizards used a blistering third quarter run to even the series with the Celtics. Here are three key takeaways from Game 4.

The Wizards were without reserve forward Kelly Oubre (suspension) for Sunday night’s game against the Celtics. Washington’s All-Star point guard John Wall missed his first nine shots to start the game. Conversely, Boston’s All-Star point guard Isaiah Thomas drilled his first five 3-pointers. All early signs pointed to the Celtics avenging their blowout loss in Game 3.

But John Wall had that look in his eye in the second quarter. Wall scored 14 points to spark Washington’s offense and the game was tied at halftime. Once play resumed in the third quarter, Washington beat Boston into submission behind the stellar play of Wall and Bradley Beal. The Wizards completely incinerated the Celtics during a 26-0 run and coasted to victory.

Takeaways

The Celtics finally figured out what time the game started. It’s incredibly impressive Boston leads this series, considering they didn’t emerge from the locker room until the second quarter of the first three games. Washington had outscored Boston by a combined 49 points in the opening periods. The Wizards scored the first eight points of Game 4 and it looked like déjà vu.

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And then something strange happened. Boston fought back. Isaiah Thomas connected on three 3-pointers to lead the surge and the Celtics led the Wizards 24-20 going into the second quarter. Boston bailed on their rope-a-dope strategy and came out swinging. The slugfest was on, right?

Wrong! Washington scored a third quarter T.K.O. Just when Boston appeared to endure Washington’s best punch, they forgot a critical boxing lesson. Protect yourself at all times. After leading 53-48 less than one minute into the third period, the Celtics were helpless against the Wizards’ onslaught.

Washington clamped down on defense, got easy buckets in transition, and put the game away with a 26-0 run. Isaiah Thomas scored just two points in the second half as Boston’s entire offense was disarmed. The crowd was rocking as Washington took a 90-68 lead into the final frame.

Washington’s signal strength is strongest in the Verizon Center. Washington went 30-11 while playing in the nation’s capital during the regular season. Their home dominance has continued in the postseason. The Wizards are undefeated (5-0) at home thus far in the playoffs.

John Wall and Bradley Beal combined for 56 points in Game 4. But it was their entire starting five that overwhelmed the Celtics. Washington’s starters doubled the scoring output of Boston’s starters 96-48 on Sunday night. Washington has won the last two games in the Verizon Center by an average margin of 23 points. Unfortunately for Wizards’ fans, that signal strength will need to travel if this team is to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals.

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