Eastern Conference Playoffs Semis, Game 2 Celtics lead 1-0

Wizards at Celtics

May 2, 2017 at 8:00 PM TD Garden | Boston, MA TV: NBA on TNT Radio: 1500 AM

What to watch: The Wizards clear up the following issues:

The Wizards only turned the ball over 13 times all game, but 8 of them came in the 3rd quarter where the Celtics scampered away and outscored the Wizards 36-16. Five of them came by way of John Wall alone, who just seemed to be half-assing his way through the period. Wall and his comrades need to be a little more cognizant of their defenders and a little more protective of the rock.

While a few of the Celtics' 3's came off lucky bounces and tough shots, much of the firestorm was the effect of several Wizards defensive mishaps. For example, Washington's negligence to respect Kelly Olynyk in the 1st quarter granted him a few long-range buckets. And although tough, the Wizards couldn't handle Boston's long-balls in transition. But the prime factor in Boston's 3-point shooting success was the Wizards defenders consistently overhelping off their shooters, creating just enough space adequate enough for a good look, even for Marcus Smart. That simply needs to tighten up tonight.

Lastly, how do you adjust to make your free throws? You don't. You just fucking make them.

Key Matchup:

Markieff Morris vs. his sprained ankle.

How painful was this, both for Markieff physically and for us emotionally?

But Keef is not a man to be derailed. He's not soft nor a crybaby. In fact, he's the one who calls out such men. Peep the determination:

But the plot of the Keef injury story is much thicker than just an awfully rolled ankle. He, along with many other basketball heads - fans and media alike - are questioning the integrity of Al Horford, who was defending Keef on the shot in which Keef landed directly on Horford's outstretched foot. Folks who've played the game and have played it for a long time will always react with skepticism when they see a play like this. It usually takes a concerted effort by the defender to keep his leg out and directly underneath the airborne shooter, and it usually entails outright intent to cause harm. For which reason Keef plans to confront Horford about it tonight. Butter ya popcorn, bros.

X-Factor:

Scott Brooks

Coach Brooks will forever be a silver lining for the Wizards during and after times of struggle. He understands better than most coaches where faults lie and where adjustments need to be made. He portrays these traits both during in-game situations and with game-planning after bad losses.

We know Brad Stevens is a helluva coach, but we also know Scott Brooks has a helluva counter-punch. Let's see how he comes out swinging the clipboard tonight.

Here's Coach Brooks discussing the importance of defending the arc, and particularly defending Boston's two big men in Olynyk in Horford from getting up shots:

Fun Factor:

Isaiah "Dragon Fly" Thomas!

Prediction: Wizards mop their Game 1 mess off the Garden floor; head home fresh off momentum.

#Wizards #JohnWall #Clippers