Celtics 110
Wizards 104
February 8, 2018 | Capital One Arena | Washington, D.C.
(Photo: Ned Dishman via Getty Images)
The Washington Wizards and Boston Celtics faced off on national television Thursday night for the first time since their match entertaining Christmas Day game back in Boston. The two teams went back and forth Thursday night displaying great poise and mental toughness down the stretch of the game. Markieff Morris and Otto Porter Jr. hit a pair of crucial free throws in the final minute of the game to give the Wizards a 98-95 lead. With 12.8 seconds left in the game, the Celtics called a timeout to draw a play for their super star point guard, Kyrie Irving. Following the time out, Irving as expected, had the ball in his hands and attempted a three point shot to tie the game, missing far left but resulting in a controversial foul on Markieff Morris. Irving made all three free throws to tie the game at 98. With the opportunity to win the game at the end of regulation Bradley Beal drove right getting pass his defender but the help defense from the Celtics forced him to misfire on an unbalanced fade away jump shot. In the extra sessions, the Celtics were able to take advantage of the shift in momentum ultimately winning the game 110-104.
Consistent and Close Throughout the Entire Game
The Washington Wizards and Boston Celtics started Thursday’s night game strong, shooting over 50 percent in the first quarter. Otto Porter Jr. and Bradley Beal combined for 17 of the Wizards 27 first quarter points. Both teams kept the game close, as they headed into halftime with the Wizards up 51-49. The game featured a total of 24 lead changes and 14 ties. Overall, the Wizards did a great job battling against the top team in the East without their star point guard, John Wall.
"It was a good game," Markieff Morris said. "Couple close calls at the end changed the swing of it a little bit, but other than that I thought I think we played them real well. We had a lot of turnovers. Missed a lot of open shots that we usually make, so that's part of it."
Turnovers Play a Factor
With a mixture of good defense, physical, and sloppy plays from both teams, both the Wizards and Celtics combined for a total of 39 turnovers Thursday night. These turnovers were significant and played to Boston's favor as they forced the Wizards to a total of 22 turnovers which led directly to 24 points. The Wizards starting 5 accounted for more than half of the team's turnovers, with 12.
"We had 22 turnovers for 24 points," head coach Scott Brooks said. "That's hard to overcome and we just about overcame."
Slow Start to 3rd Quarter Puts Wizards Behind
After a strong first half by both teams, the Wizards fell behind early in the second half as Boston started off the third quarter with a 7-0 run. The Wizards did not score their first basket of the second half until the 9:16 mark, where Otto Porter Jr. made a floating jump shot to cut Boston's lead down to three, 56-53.
Porter Jr. and Tomas Satoransky were key contributors and kept the Wizards close throughout the quarter. However, the Wizards slow start paved way for the Celtics to take a five point lead headed into the forth quarter, as they outscored Washington 26-19 in the third quarter.
Big Game from Otto Porter Jr.
It's games like these where the Wizards feel that they have made a great investment in signing Porter to a long-term max contract. The wingman hit some big shots throughout the game finishing with 27 points and 11 rebounds. Porter shot 50 percent from the field and was a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line.
Porter has been fairly consistent of late, as he has produced double-digit scoring in the last eight games, in which six out of the eight games he was 50 percent or better on the field. This consistency will be key as the Wizards will rely on him, Bradley Beal, and Markieff Morris to carry the scoring load until John Wall comes back.
Run Back The Playoff Series? Yes, Please!
The Wizards trailed the Celtics by five at the start of the 4th quarter. A technical foul by Terry Rozier which led to a Jodie Meeks free throw, along with a pair of Ian Mahinmi field goals quickly tied the game at 75. The Celtics then went on a run that put them up by 10, 88-78, with 5:23 left in the game. The Wizards were able to storm back to take a three point lead with 9.3 seconds left. Kyrie Irving was then fouled by Markieff Morris on a three-point attempt, which Irving then made all 3 with ease, despite the latter protesting the call. Beal had an opportunity to end the game but missed the game-winning shot, which sent the game to overtime at 98.
"I did not necessarily like the last shot," Beal said about his potential game-winner. "I liked the play coach drew up but they ended up having help side come over. I lost my footing a little bit. I got bumped a little bit but I still should have come with a better shot at the end of regulation. In overtime, the last three I thought were good for sure. I think I was a little tired but it is mind over matter at that point. I cannot blame it on being tired, just was not going in, it happens."
In overtime, Morris fouled out of the game, which was crucial, removing a key contributor for the Wizards. Both teams battled back and forth, scoring one after the other, until Jaylen Brown hit a tough three-pointer over Satoransky with 1:43 remaining. The Wizards were unable to convert on the offensive end towards the end of over time and the Celtics were able to secure the victory.
Next Game: Washington will head to Chicago to take on the Bulls for their second to last game before the All-Star break. The Bulls are currently 18-35 and owners of a 7 game losing streak.