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Washington Wizards: 3 keys to victory in Game 7 over Boston

By Jerran Anderson

May 12, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (left) hugs Wizards guard Bradley Beal (right) after their game against the Boston Celtics in game six of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 92-91, and tied the series at 3-3. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (left) hugs Wizards guard Bradley Beal (right) after their game against the Boston Celtics in game six of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 92-91, and tied the series at 3-3. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 12, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (left) hugs Wizards guard Bradley Beal (right) after their game against the Boston Celtics in game six of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 92-91, and tied the series at 3-3. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
May 12, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (left) hugs Wizards guard Bradley Beal (right) after their game against the Boston Celtics in game six of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 92-91, and tied the series at 3-3. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Bradley Beal has to be a strong sidekick next to superhero John Wall

The Washington Wizards have to keep Bradley Beal engaged in Game 7 on both ends or things could get ugly in a hurry for them. Beal hasn’t been the same player at home as he has on the road but with Wall at the point, he would do well to follow his lead.

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Beal is shooting 50 percent at home but 42.5 percent from the floor on the road in the playoffs. At home, Beal is averaging 1.5 turnovers per game. On the road, he’s averaging 2.7 turnovers. The pressure has gotten to him a bit on the road but with Wall, he needs to simply relax.

Being a sidekick to Wall doesn’t mean he can’t be the leading scorer either. Wall would happily set Beal up for shot after shot and rack up the assists but he has to find his rhythm early and not get shot-happy from three.

Making the Celtics defend can work to Beal’s advantage if he can realize that getting to the free throw line is his biggest asset. By launching three-pointers, it often lets Boston off the hook, especially when it comes to exploiting Isaiah Thomas on defense.

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If the Washington Wizards want to win, they’ll need to play fast but also play smart. A majority of that begins and ends with Beal and Wall successfully coexisting in the backcourt.