Washington Wizards: 5 takeaways from game 3 against Boston Celtics

Washington Wizards: 5 takeaways from Game 3 against Boston Celtics

By Randy Porga | May 6, 2017

May 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) shoots the ball as Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) and Celtics center Al Horford (42) defend in the third quarter in game three of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 116-89. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bojan Bogdanovic (44) gestures after making a three point field goal against the Boston Celtics in the first quarter in game three of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Key off the bench

The Washington Wizards played scrappy and physical small ball for the entire evening and the bench was key. Contributions from Bojan Bogdanovic and Brandon Jennings at times can get the crowd at its loudest. This is certainly exciting and a valuable asset to have coming from bench players.

On the night, Bojan Bogdanovic finished shooting 6-of-12 from the field that included a stellar 4-for-7 contribution from beyond the arc. Earning himself a double-double on the evening with 19 points and 10 rebounds was enough to finish only behind John Wall.

Bogdanovic found himself to be the on the forefront of the early effort to jump ahead of the Celtics. He would remain a factor throughout the game with 29 minutes played, well above his career average of 25.4 minutes per game.

Playing only eight minutes during Game 2 was possibly a difference-maker looking back after this performance in Game 3. Bojan Bogdanovic is finding himself quietly becoming a legitimate long range threat in this series when able to see decent minutes. During Game 1, he shot 3-for-5 from the field and 2-for 3 from long range in only 18 minutes played.