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Washington Wizards: 3 keys to a Game 5 victory

By Jerran Anderson

May 4, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris (5) celebrates with Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) against the Boston Celtics 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 forward Markieff Morris (5) celebrates with Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) against the Boston Celtics 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 forward Markieff Morris (5) celebrates with Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) against the Boston Celtics 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 forward Markieff Morris (5) celebrates with Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) against the Boston Celtics 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 /

The Washington Wizards have fought back to tie their second round series 2-2 with the Boston Celtics. Here are three keys to victory in Game 5.

The Washington Wizards have tied things up in their series with the Boston Celtics. After a big third quarter run, the Wizards won Game 4 with ease, 121-102. The Wizards’ starters outscored Boston’s 96-48 in the game.

Bradley Beal and John Wall combined for 56 points. Otto Porter Jr. continues to improve in the playoffs and came up huge in the absence of Oubre, who was suspended for Game 4. Porter had 18 points, eight rebounds, four steals and two assists.

The Wizards used a 26-0 run to crack open the game and they never looked back. They hounded the Celtics on defense, forcing a lot of turnovers and converting on the break to even the series at 2-2.

The Celtics came out hot in the first half, especially Isaiah Thomas. Thomas had 17 points at halftime and was 5-for-6 from three-point range. Boston led after the first quarter for the first time all series, 24-20. However, things changed drastically in the third quarter for the Washington Wizards.

They set the tone on the defensive end, which in turn allowed them to shoot 65 percent from the floor in the third quarter. Beal scored 11 points, forward Markieff Morris had 10 points and was 2-for-2 from three and John Wall had 13 points and five assists.

Here are the keys to a Game 5 victory as the Wizards head back to Boston.