Make it 14, 'Men in Black' Stay Hot at Home with Win over Celtics
By
Ray Rogers
(@urbansports_Ray)
There was
obvious hype entering Tuesday Night’s Washington Wizards, Boston Celtics
matchup as result of a post game scrum following their previous meeting on January
11th in Boston. Capping off the drama heading into the much
anticipated rematch was the Wizards vow to wear all black on Tuesday which was
a promise they kept although if you ask me they weren’t scaring anyone, maybe
presenting handsome at best. However, the intent was not to look tough or
scary, but to send a message. A message that appeared to include a desire to
differentiate this current team from last year’s group that was swept in the
regular season by the Celtics. All that was left to do was back up their talk
with strong play and most importantly a victory.
Mission
accomplished.
The Wizards
quickly established control in a 123 – 108 blowout of the Celtics. The game
began with two quick baskets from starting center Marcin Gortat in route to a
33 point first quarter that entailed Bradley Beal, John Wall, and Gortat all
scoring 8 points each. Coming out and setting a tone was critical in a game
filled with emotion. Postgame, Celtics SG Marcus Smart alluded to the fact that
his team allowed the Wizards to become “comfortable” which was critical with
the Wizards being winners of 13 straight home games entering Tuesday’s contest.
What was
even more impressive in my opinion was the Wizards ability to withstand all of
Boston’s comeback efforts. On two occasions in the second quarter the Celtics
reduced the Wizards lead to 3 points and in the third quarter cut a 12 point
deficit down to six, but each time the Wizards had an answer including John
Wall scoring five quick points to push the Wizards lead back to 11 with 1:05
left in the 3rd quarter. The Verizon center was covered in green,
but the Celtics’ faithful sat quietly the entire night even during comeback
attempts which was in stark contrast to a raucous home crowd. Wizards small
forward Kelly Oubre expressed gratitude toward a fan base that is growing with
excitement over this steadily improving team.
It would be
hard not to cheer for a team winning their 14th game in a row at
home, but it’s also the way the Wizards are defeating teams with Tuesday’s win
punctuated by a monstrous dunk by John Wall over Celtics center Kelly Olynyk.
Yes, it’s safe to say that the Wizards had the better Kelly on this night. A
season high 123 points scored, five players in double figures led by Beal with
31, and a convincing, gritty win versus what is becoming a hated rival is
giving Wizards fans dreams of a deep playoff run. As the Bullet/Wizards’ great
song puts it “that’s the reason I’m a Bullets fan”.
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