Recap: Jaesus Saves

Despite the efforts of John Wall and a questionable officiating job by Tony Brothers & his goons, Boston holds on for a 119-117 win in DC tonight. Jae Crowder sunk a layup in the final seconds to propel the C’s to yet another victory on the second night of a btb on the road. IT led Boston with 32 points, while John Wall led all scorers with 36 points. Wall was just amazing (again) this evening, also handing out 13 assists & getting 7 steals in a losing effort

Both teams looked sloppy early on, as it was evident each were coming off a game the night before. But with 7 first quarter turnovers, Boston definitely looked to be the groggier of the two. Washington also had pep in it’s step on the boards, grabbing 5 offensive rebounds and putting in 7 second chance points. After 1Q, the Celts were down 31-24. Isaiah Thomas was involved early, scoring 9 points in the quarter and getting himself to the free throw line. The Wiz got Marcin Gortat & John Wall going, as the duo combined for 14 first quarter points.

It was the John Wall show in the second quarter as the Wizards’ guard pretty much took things over. Wall had 10 points in the quarter, two on a nifty drive that showcased his blazing speed. The C’s initially appeared to be on their way to another offensive drought, as they managed just 9 points in the first 5 minutes or so of the quarter. Thankfully, the Wiz weren’t much better early on, and it was 37-35 Washington with 7 minutes left in the first half. Thanks to Jae Crowder and Marcus Smart, Boston managed to cut their losses, and were down 61-54 at the half. Both teams shot 10 of 24 from the field in the quarter, but with their sloppy play early in the game, the Celtics still found themselves with ground to make up. Boston’s defense would need to at the very least try & keep Wall in the halfcourt game as much as possible. (easier said than done)

Boston came out strong in the third, opening the quarter on a 9-0 run. Washington meanwhile relied on Wall again, who kept the Celts from gaining any type of real momentum. The Wizards, behind Wall, got out to a 75-72 lead with 5:00 left in the third quarter. The C’s tried using the three ball to shoot themselves back into it, but to no avail. But once they got back to doing what they do best, playing defense and moving the ball, the Celts pulled within three, as it was 79-76 Washington with three minutes and change to go in the quarter. This game really never got too out of hand on either side. Despite being outscored by seven in the 1st, this was a pretty even game all across the board tonight. After an Evan Turner buzzer beater, the Celts headed into the final frame down 86-83.

The fourth was a back and forth battle, each team trying in vain to pull away. After an Avery Bradley layup, the Celts were down 104-103 with 4:25 left. It was then a battle between Thomas & Wall down the stretch. After IT buried a tough step back to put the Celts up 111-106 with 1:38 left, Wall swiped the ball from Evan Turner, and it was a one point game: 111-110. Avery Bradley then drilled what looked like a dagger trey, until things got interesting. John Wall was fouled on a three, Crowder then got whistled for an ill timed (and damn sketchy) technical, and the refs basically took over. When the dust settled, Boston found themselves in a tie game with 13 ticks left and the ball in their hands. Brad Stevens drew up a beaut of a play (see below) and Jae Crowder put Boston up for good as John Wall’s layup attempt missed at the buzzer. This team has finally gotten back to it’s “never say die” mentality. Hopefully it sticks with them for as long as possible.

The Green:

• Crowder was once again fantastic, and his offensive game continues to get stronger. Jae put in 22 points to go with 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Man I love this guy.
• IT did exactly what he was brought here to do: score in the clutch, get to the FT line and produce. Thomas had 32 points including going 15 of 16 from the line. I’ll overlook his 7 turnovers tonight.
• Jared Sullinger quietly had a very efficient night. Sully notched 14 points & grabbed 9 boards in 20 minutes before fouling out in the 4th.

The Gross:

• Boston shot 9 of 29 from long range
• Celts turned the ball over 16 times leading to 23 Wiz points

The Greenlights:

The Grid: (quick stats)

• Celtics out rebounded Wiz 47-42
• Teams combined to take 72 free-throws

Box score