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Washington Wizards: 5 takeaways from Game 3 against Boston Celtics

By Randy Porga

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
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 center Marcin Gortat (13) shoots the ball over Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) 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
May 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards center Marcin Gortat (13) shoots the ball over Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) 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 /

They win when he prospers

Marcin Gortat has proven this postseason that he is at the height of his career and is playing great basketball. He is a key component when it comes to the Wizards running like a well-oiled machine on both ends of the court.

  • After Game 3, Marcin Gortat has recorded his fifth double-double this postseason.
  • All of which resulted in a Wizards victory, and only one coming when playing on the road.

They will need to find him more success on the road to push deeper into the playoffs.

Capping off the night with 13 points, shooting 6-of-12 and grabbing a whopping 16 rebounds, he must improve his defense on Al Horford. Coming off a successful yet inconsequential night for the Wizards, Horford is hitting from long range with ease as he went 4-of-5 during Game 3. Out rebounding the Celtics 50-38 and beating them in blocks 5-2, the extra effort on defense went a long way in this victory for the Wizards.

This series will be won or lost in the trenches down low without a doubt, and the Wizards are turning it into an all out battle in the paint.