Eastern Conference Playoffs Semis, Game 4 Celtics lead 2-1

Celtics at Wizards

May 7, 2017 at 6:30 PM Verizon Center | Washington, DC TV: NBA on TNT Radio: 1500 AM

What to watch:

Who will win the physical battle?​

We should all know what to expect for Game 4 based off of what we witnessed from Game 3’s heated contest that featured a total of 8 technical fouls and 3 ejections. The Wizards dominated the battle down low and were clearly the more physical team in game 3 as they outrebounded the Celtics 50-38 and outscored Boston 56-28 in the paint. It was an embarrassing performance for the #1 seed in the East that found themselves down by a total of 30 points late in the third quarter. With the Wizards desperately looking to even the series and Boston looking for revenge, the winner of the “physical battle” will likely be the team that walks away with a W.

Key Matchup:

IT vs. the entire Wizards team

If it wasn’t for incredible performance in Game 2 by IT, the Wizards would have a commanding 2-1 lead in this series. In order to come out on top Sunday evening, the Wizards need to eliminate IT from becoming a factor on the offensive end and force other Boston players to beat them. On the defensive side of the ball, it is critical that the Wizards take advantage of whoever IT is guarding and consistently attack him every play down the court. Wall (6’4), Beal (6’5), and Porter (6’8) all have significant height advantages on the 5’9 guard.

X-Factor:

Midseason Bogi3

The real difference between Game 3 and Games 1 and 2 was the improved play by Washington’s bench, specifically Bogi3. It took him a couple months but Bogi3 finally looks like he has his rhythm back, finishing Game 3 with 19 points including four 3's. We are all aware that the Wizards' starters can put up big numbers, but if the Wizards want to even this series they are going to need a spark from their bench.

Fun Factor:

Get your popcorn ready!

Isaiah Thomas summed it up best during his post-game conference after Game 3:

“We don’t like them and they don’t like us, that’s just what it is”.

#WizCeltics has been the most entertaining series out of the four conference semi-final match ups. Look for Game 4 to be another wild, exciting, and physical battle between two aggressive teams.

Prediction:

In a close game, #DeathRowDC evens up the series 2-2 Game 4 will be a much more competitive than Game 3. Expect the Celtics to come out energized after an embarrassing performance. This game will go down to the wire and whoever makes more mistakes will lose the game. Look for #DeathRowDC to feed off of the #DCFamily energy, as John Wall and the crew will outlast the Celtics in a close one.

#Wizards #JohnWall #Clippers