Wizards break Boston Celtics' five-game winning streak, 85-83
The Washington Wizards snapped Boston Celtics' five-game winning streak, 85-83 at the Verizon Centre on 22 January, Saturday. They deflated the Shaquille O’Neal-less Celtics at a last moment loss. John Wall hit a three-pointer with just 57.7 seconds left
in game when the game was at a tie. The Wizards produced a three-point lead and then Wall finalized the game with a free throw to go two points ahead the losing team.
Stats
The Boston Celtics were outscored by the Wizards in the final three quarters as they were reduced to only 48 points in those last three. The losing team outscored the winning team, 35-20 in the opening quarter but later they were reduced to a meagre 48 that
led them to their loss.
Arena stats
Washington had one of the second best sell-out of the season as more than 20,000 attendance was recorded. The first and other best sell-out of the season they had was back on 18
December 2010 when Miami Heat visited them.
Players’ stats
Boston Celtics (33-10)
Kevin Garnett scored team high 17 points on a 7-for-13 shooting. Ray Allen shot on a 6-for-15 shooting from the court and grabbed five rebounds. Rondo clinched 13 points and dished out nine assists. Paul Pierce trounced 12 points, grabbed eight rebounds
and gave two assists to team-mates.
Washington Wizards (13-29)
Rashard Lewis posted game-high 18 points from the field, took three steals and clinched a double-double with 11 rebounds. JaVale McGee and Wall contributed 16 points each to the box score.
Quote it!
Wall later commented on the games his team lost and the one they won against Celtics. "We got down 15 and usually when that happens on the road, we just give up."
The Boston Celtics had one of the worst nights as they entered the fourth quarter missing 18 shots and could only score 11. This composed their worst quarter of the season.
One of the most interesting things about the game was that the victors did not lead until the final stanza. The game changed its directions when Wall posted a layup shot with just 2:35 left in buzzer. The guard-to-guard between Rajon Rondo and Wall resulted
in three shots out of four by the Wizards side.
The game needed more pace and none of the players had an outstanding performance throughout the clash. The only titan who possessed some charm against the rivals was Wall. The fellow went 7-for-12 against his Washington counterpart and contributed 16 points
along with six rebounds and four assists. The player also helped in moving the game to his side of the court. One of the most horrible performances came from Washington’s guard Nick Young. The ace went 1-for-13 from the field and the only points he gained
were six. It was not expected of a player who has averaged 25 points in last four games.
Under the spotlight
The 20-year-old Wall shot 39 percent in the beginning of the game. The player is in phase of entering into premier
point guard territory after pointing his second 7-for-12 shooting this week.
Debuts made
Kirk Hinrich is suffering from a sprained right elbow. Mustafa Shakur signed for a 10-day contract with the Wizards on Saturday afternoon to replace the player for the meanwhile. The player was playing for the Rio Grande Valley Wipers of NBA D-league before.
The athlete made his debut in an admirable manner. He played for a stretch of 10-minutes to finalize scoring five points and dishing out five assists in the bout.
More to watch
For the Celtics, Tuesday vs. Cavaliers, Thursday @ Blazers, Friday @ Suns.
For the Wizards, Monday @ Knicks, Tuesday vs. Nuggets, Friday @Thunder.
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