Washington Wizards Search For Answers After Blown Lead In Game 1

By Randy Porga | May 1, 2017

Apr 30, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Washington Wizards head coach Scott Brooks walks on the court during a timeout in the second half of the Boston Celtics 123-111 win over the Washington Wizards in game one of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

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Bradley Beal Plays Strong, Defense Still Suspect

As the Washington Wizards slowly lost their 17-point lead, the Boston Celtics proceeded to drain three-pointer after three-pointer. In the first quarter, two straight three-pointers from first Isaiah Thomas and then Kelly Olynyk would help Boston slowly close in on the Wizards’ lead. Coming into the game, Thomas had made just three of his last 26 three-pointers. In Game 1, he finished 5-for-11.

Bradley Beal put on a strong offensive performance overall on the afternoon. At times he still continues to force shots instead of making the extra pass. Leading the team on the night with 27 points while shooting 9-for-19 from the field and 4-for-7 from the outside, Beal continues to be a driving force for this team.

His defense continues to be an issue as well though, and is detriment in games like these. As Avery Bradley became a problem in the second half, the Celtics guards were a dynamic pair. Bradley was held to 18 points but became a defensive asset, coming up with four steals. Thanks to that matchup, Beal led the Wizards in fouls and had three turnovers on the game.

A big factor in this game was the Wizards’ inability to contest the three-point shot. They finished just 10-for-23 to the Celtics’ 19-for-39 from the outside.