Washington Wizards: 3 adjustments to winning Game 3 vs. Celtics

May 2, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal (3) shoots defended by Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) during the fourth quarter in game two of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal (3) shoots defended by Boston Celtics forward Jae Crowder (99) during the fourth quarter in game two of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 2, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) reacts during the first quarter in game two of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) reacts during the first quarter in game two of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Find their bench play

The Washington Wizards haven’t played terribly. Game 2 overall was an improvement before squandering a six-point lead in the closing minutes. On the bright side, they are 3-0 at home in this year’s NBA playoffs.

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The Wizards just need their bench to wake up, or what’s left of it at least. They are still without center Ian Mahinmi, a player they could desperately use to clog the middle. Center Jason Smith is a bit banged up, as is forward Markieff Morris.

Forward Bojan Bogdanovic was 0-for-2 from the field in just eight minutes of play. Point guard Brandon Jennings was 0-for-2 in 12 minutes of work. The Celtics, on the other hand, had 33 bench points with guards Marcus Smart and Terry Rozier combining for 21 of those points.

The Wizards need to find their bench play, as the Celtics’ depth has dominated much of this series. In Game 2, the Celtics had 50 points in the paint, 21 second chance points and 21 fastbreak points, all totals higher than the Wizards.

When Wall and Beal go out, the bench will have to turn things up a bit or much like Game 2, the Wizards may find themselves out of gas once again.