Wall orchestrates Wizards’ waltz

WASHINGTON — It wasn’t enough for the Washington Wizards to force turnover after turnover and score baskets almost every time they drove the court against the Boston Celtics on Sunday.

The Wizards wanted a blowout — and that’s exactly what they got.

Thanks to a 26-0 run in the third quarter, Washington cruised to a 121-102 victory to tie the Eastern Conference semifinal 2-2.

John Wall, Bradley Beal, Markieff Morris and Otto Porter all made big-time contributions during the sixminute stretch that busted the game wide open.

Game 5 is on 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 5:01 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 all happen.

“It is our defense,” said Beal, who had a game-high 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 upset that the Wizards got away with holding and grabbing him, but acknowledged the 26-0 run — not the officiating — decided the game.

From Boston’s perspective it wasn’t pretty, even as coach Brad Stevens credited the Wizards, who have 26-0, 22-0 and 16-0 runs in this series.

“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, 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 turnovers,” Beal said. “We’re one of the best teams in the league at converting off turnovers.”

Thanks to 34 points off turnovers, the series is even, with the Cleveland Cavaliers waiting in the Eastern Conference final after finishing off a sweep of the Toronto Raptors on Sunday. Being a shot away from splitting in Boston gives the Wizards confidence they can win there.