Kyrie Irving Leads the Celtics to Dramatic Win over the Wizards
By: Yusuf House
Foto: Getty Images
WASHINGTON DC - After a sluggish first half, the Boston Celtics (17-10) and Washington Wizards (11-17) put on a performance for the ages in front of a sellout crowd our nation’s capital. Boston struggled early to gain any momentum as Washington had eight fast break points in the first quarter. By halftime the Wizards were up 55-46, at one point their lead was as large as 11.
The third quarter belonged to Boston. The Celtic’s defensive pressure caught the Wizards off guard as they created several points off turnovers, including a steal and a three pointer off an inbound pass that gave Boston six points within ten seconds. The Wizards saw their halftime lead slip away as Boston outscored the Wizards 38-22 in the third quarter and took a seven point lead into the fourth quarter.
The Wiz started the 4th quarter on an 8-0 run to regain the lead 85-84 with 9:37 remaining in the game. From this point it was a back and forth contest as the leaders from both teams stepped up. Overall, there were nine ties and 18 lead changes throughout the game as John Wall was fantastic down the stretch. Boston was unable to stop him from getting to the basket as he finished the night with 34 points, 6 rebounds and 13 assists.
Boston hanging on to a three point lead (113-110), intentionally fouled Bradley Beal with 13 seconds remaining. Beal made the first free throw to cut the lead to 2 points but missed the second attempt. Boston forgot to box out the shooter and Beal got his own rebound and put in a layup to tie the game.
In overtime, Kyrie Irving was able to close the show. With Washington matching Boston shot for shot Irving had a pair of astonishing three pointers in the final minute of overtime to lead his team and secure the victory. Rebounding also haunted the Wizards as they were outscored 24-8 in second chance points.
114 Likes, 0 Comments - Cultura NBA (@culturanba) on Instagram: "#CulturaEnVivo #UncleDrew - @kyrieirving saca a pasear el clutch y le roba el juego a los..."
Although the game was in DC, Boston fans showed tremendous support for Kyrie and showered their star with chants of “M-V-P” towards the end of overtime. ''We've seen Kyrie do that on multiple occasions,'' said Marcus Smart, ''But to see it again in person - every day we see that is something that is jaw-dropping for us.''
100 Likes, 0 Comments - Cultura NBA (@culturanba) on Instagram: "#BostonEnDC - Fans de los @celtics en #DC le gritan #MVP a @kyrieirving"
Following the game Brad Stevens stated "The hallmark of this group has been whoever's available plays and is counted on to do what they're supposed to. Not everybody had their best night, but everybody did their jobs and kept adding value when they checked in. They played whatever role they were asked to and gave us a chance to win."
50 Likes, 0 Comments - Cultura NBA (@culturanba) on Instagram: "#CulturaEnNBA-Brad Stevens habla #Postgame de la fanaticada de #Boston y de @fchwpo luego que sus..."
What’s next? Both teams are back in action Friday as the Celtics return home to face the Atlanta Hawks while the Wizards travel to Brooklyn to face the Nets. The Celtics are currently winners of eight straight and one of the hottest teams in NBA.