Wizards’ outburst evens series, 2-2
It wasn’t enough for the Washington Wizards to force one turnover after another and make baskets every time down the floor to take a lead against the Celtics.
They wanted to blow visiting Boston out.
The Wizards did just that in a 121-102 rout in Game 5 Sunday night thanks to a 260 third-quarter run that featured big-time contributions from John Wall, Bradley Beal, Markieff Morris and Otto Porter.
That six-minute stretch busted the game open and Washington tied the secondround series at two games apiece. Game 5 is Wednesday night in Boston.
“We’re capable of those type of runs every game,” said Morris, who finished with 16 points and 10 rebounds. “Keep pressing them, go up 50 if we can. That’s the mindset I felt like all of us had.”
Washington never led by 50, but after trailing 53-48 early in the third it was 74-53 by the time Porter made a layup with 5 minutes left in the quarter.
Wall had seven of his 27 points and three of his 12 assists during the run as the Celtics committed eight turnovers — including back-toback shot-clock violations — and went 0 for 5.
Coach Scott Brooks called it the Wizards’ best stretch this season, crediting defense for making it happen.
“It is our defense,” said Beal, who had 29 points. “That’s why we’re able to get out in transition and get open shots, get open layups. We were just having fun.”
It wasn’t so fun for the Celtics, who couldn’t get Isaiah Thomas going after he opened with five consecutive 3-pointers and 17 points in the first 15 minutes and finished with 19.
Thomas was mad referees let the Wizards to get away with holding and grabbing him but acknowledged the 26-0 run — not the officiating — decided the game.
“If you turn the ball over against these guys, you’d prefer to drop kick it into the stands so that at least you can set your defense,” Stevens said. “Their attack in transition killed us.”
Beal, who was 11 of 16 from the floor, said the conversation at halftime revolved around knowing the defense wasn’t up to Washington’s standards. “Were able to force a lot of turnovers,” Beal said. “We’re one of the best teams in the league at converting off turnovers.”
Other game
Rockets 125, Spurs 104: James Harden scored 28 points and Eric Gordon contributed 22 coming off the bench to lead Houston to a huge win against visiting San Antonio to tie the series at two games apiece. Game 5 will be Tuesday at San Antonio.