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Washington Wizards: 3 takeaways from Game 7 loss vs. Celtics

By Jerran Anderson

May 15, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) hugs Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) after defeating the Wizards in game seven of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) hugs Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) after defeating the Wizards in game seven of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 15, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) shoots the ball over Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) during the first half in game seven of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
May 15, 2017; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) shoots the ball over Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) during the first half in game seven of the second round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

3. The Wizards ran out of magic

The Washington Wizards’ magic ran out in the fourth quarter but ultimately it wasn’t totally on them. Their lack of true depth finally reared its head against a tough road opponent, and the Celtics made them pay.

Other than center Marcin Gortat having just six points, one could say the Wizards starters played a nearly perfect game. Bradley Beal scored a game-high 38 points (third-most in a Game 7 in franchise history) with four rebounds and two assists. He shot 11-for-22 from the floor and made five threes.

Forward Otto Porter posted a double-double, the second of his playoff career, with 20 points and 10 rebounds in the game. Markieff Morris followed that up with 18 points and nine rebounds.

However, Wall and Beal played over 40 minutes in the game, which wasn’t a good formula for success down the stretch. Porter played 39 minutes as well.

By the time the fourth quarter happened, the Wizards were dead tired and it showed. The Wizards’ starters outscored Boston’s 100-67, but again, the bench depth was the key to the game and Boston won that battle rather easily.